TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for the manufacture
of hypochlorous acid and, particularly, to systems and methods for the predictive
production feedback of manufactured pure hypochlorous acid.
BACKGROUND
Description of the Related Art
[0002] Communities across the world are now challenged by enormous problems: pandemics,
non-addressable infections, non-healing wounds, a global shortage of clean drinking
water, and looming food insecurity. Countries around the world are additionally stressed
by the burden of supporting aging populations. Half of the world has no access to
healthcare, and a scarcity of potable water and power affects one fifth of the global
population. A solution resides in a composition identified as hypochlorous acid (HOCl)
that has been known as a disinfectant but has not found widespread adoption due to
the highly unstable nature of the molecule. Equipment manufacturers across the globe
have not addressed challenges associated with consistency of HOCl production over
time, ease of use, product stability and cost realities of providing HOCl as a solution.
The lack of consistency in HOCl manufacture and failure of widespread adoption provide
evidence of the failure of existing systems.
[0003] Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) has been known and generally accepted to be useful for its
beneficial medical, food disinfection, and infection-control/therapeutic applications.
As a component of the Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) response of human and animal cells
to infection and injury, it is known to be unstable with a short life span in vivo.
HOCl, in its manufactured presentation throughout the world, is typically an undefined
mixture of reactive oxidant species, a hybrid composition consisting of various components
of aqueous molecular chlorine, plus the benign but highly effective HOCl, together
with one or more of hypochlorite, chlorates, chlorites, perchlorates and possibly
short acting ozone, peroxides, and unidentifiable free radicals (
i.e., sensu lato, meaning an HOCL mixture with one or more of the contaminants listed above). Some
of these components are known to be cytotoxic and potentially dangerous. Where any
amount of hypochlorite is available in an HOCl composition, a chemical reaction occurs
that rapidly accelerates the conversion of HOCl to hypochlorite and other forms of
aqueous chlorine. HOCl is regularly mischaracterized and mislabeled as being equivalent
to the crude mixed oxidant products of uncontrolled manufacturing processes, even
though authentic pure HOCl (
i.e., sensu stricto, meaning an HOCl mixture with no amount of hypochlorites, mixed oxidants, or other
contaminants listed above) is a singular molecular entity. Notably, pure water and
saline are not considered contaminants in this situation.
[0004] HOCl is often produced through pH adjustment of hypochlorite solutions using organic
or inorganic compounds, but the process is notoriously difficult to control at an
industrial scale in order to arrive at a consistent endpoint, resulting in unreliable
and ill-defined products, again frequently mischaracterized as authentic pure stable
HOCl instead, when it is actually an HOCl mixed hypochlorite/oxidant solution. HOCl
may also be produced in chlorine generators (frequently mislabeled as HOCl generators)
through onsite electrolysis producing often poorly defined aqueous low pH mixtures
that contain excessive amounts of molecular chlorine gas (Cl
2) species which release an extremely hazardous gas. However, typical mixed oxidant
species containing HOCl produced in electrolysis is often characterized by shortened
shelf life and/or the presence of components that degrade into bleach (
e.g., sodium hypochlorite, NaClO) with time.
[0005] Additionally, many manufacturers promote their HOCl products as being of "neutral
pH" which, by definition, puts them in the category of mixtures having a pH of 7.0
+/- 1.0 in which approximately 50% of aqueous chlorine must be present as hypochlorite.
These mixed oxidants are unstable hypochlorite-containing mixtures that do not impart
the efficacy and safety of the singular molecular entity represented by authenticated
pure stable HOCl products. These mixtures are thus not only unsafe but are known to
be 100 times less effective than pure HOCl having an equivalent Cl content.
[0006] Electrolytically-generated mixed-oxidant chlorine species striving for a useful percentage
of HOCl, with or without buffering agents, are well established in the industry, but
they are far less effective than pure HOCl. These electrolytically-generated mixed-oxidant
chlorine species are unstable, and potentially dangerous. For safety, existing processes
have often been applied on site with provisos requiring immediate use, or needing
additives such as chlorine stabilizers and stabilizing buffers. Those buffers create
a recognized level of impurity and also underlie label-acknowledged levels of hypochlorite.
[0007] Manufacture of HOCl by electrolysis has heretofore been unable to generate aqueous
formulations with sufficient stability for a wider array of practical uses without
the incorporation of buffering systems, and/or a range of stabilizing entities, including
metal cations, periodate, phosphate buffers, carbonate buffers, and organic compounds
with halogen stabilizing abilities.
[0008] All of the additives and chemical stabilizers conventionally employed to support
the maintenance of HOCl in active form over practically useful storage periods depend
on the presence of other species of aqueous chlorine, such as hypochlorite and chlorite/chlorate,
or chlorine, depending on the chemical intervention chosen, or lead to their appearance
in the solution as a result of the onset of decay. Many of these constituents contribute
toxic effects on cells and tissues to the formulations that limit their usefulness
in medical procedures. Aqueous species of halogens other than the hypohalous acids,
HOCl and Hypobromous acid (HOBr), all deliver detrimental and often corrosive impacts
on environmental surfaces that make them less than ideal for practical purposes.
[0009] An answer is needed to the problems that accompany HOCl production, the volume-limiting,
dangerous, unreliable and difficult nature of chemical pH adjustment (acid titration),
and the inconsistency of mixed-oxidant products that are fraudulently promoted as
HOCl. Additionally, an answer is needed to the historical problem of the generation
of crude undefined solutions containing some HOCl made in electrolysis equipment,
which provide chemical mixtures that are both unreliable in their effect, and potentially
dangerous. Furthermore, those mixed oxidants lose potency over time and as they degrade
across the pH spectrum. Therefore, typical HOCl produced as mixed oxidant complexes
(
i.e., sensu lato) is less stable, less consistent, less reliable, less potent, and less likely to
be adopted for its most high value applications. Current technologies produce a chlorine/HOCl/bleach
mixture. The present disclosure addresses these needs and provides other related technological
improvements.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] Briefly stated, the disclosed authentic HOCl Manufacturing System is accessible and
remotely controllable after remote deployment throughout the world for real-time diagnostics,
control, and monitoring utilizing one or more of Ethernet, Cellular, or Satellite
uplink technologies. The authentic HOCl Manufacturing System provides assurance of
quality by any user anywhere that the system is deployed.
[0011] The system provides for global deployment of homogeneous HOCl production that involves
complex, high-level process-controlled manufacturing, but that may be operated and
controlled completely remotely. The authentic HOCl Manufacturing System may automatically
run a high-production pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl) electrochemical manufacturing
system using internal or external energy sources and remotely controlled communication
connectivity.
[0012] Some embodiments of a continuous batch monitoring and adjustment system include:
an HOCl storage vessel that stores an initial HOCl solution produced by an HOCl production
system, and a control system that includes a pump, sensors, and a controller. The
controller includes a processor and a memory storing computer instructions that, when
executed by the processor, cause the processor to: continuously monitor initial HOCl
solution characteristics, via sensors, of the initial HOCl solution that is recirculated
from the HOCl storage vessel; calculate adjustments to initial parameters of the monitored
initial HOCl solution characteristics system, via a dynamic feedback loop, to make
corrections to the initial parameters of the continuously monitored initial HOCl solution
characteristics and produce an updated HOCl solution with updated HOCl solution characteristics;
and verify that a final HOCl solution is achieved with final target parameters from
a combination of the initial HOCl solution in the HOCl storage vessel with the updated
HOCl solution from the inputting production system.
[0013] In one embodiment, the corrections are made by sequential blending the initial HOCl
solution with the updated HOCl solution in a circulating batch loop to create the
final target HOCl solution with final target parameters. In another aspect of one
embodiment, the memory stores further computer instructions that, when executed by
the processor, further cause the processor to: detect that the HOCl storage vessel
is empty, and direct rinsing of the empty HOCl storage vessel. In still another aspect
of one embodiment, the memory stores further computer instructions that, when executed
by the processor, further cause the processor to: direct neutralization of unwanted
HOCl solution in the HOCl storage vessel, and perform automated purging of neutralized
unwanted HOCl solution. In yet another aspect of one embodiment, the inputting production
system includes a processor and a memory storing computer instructions that, when
executed by the processor, cause the processor to: control water flow rate into an
electrolysis chamber using water pressure, apply current to the electrolysis chamber
via a power supply, add sodium chloride brine to an anode chamber inlet and create
an aqueous mixture, add sodium hydroxide to the aqueous mixture, and produce aqueous
hypochlorous acid from the electrolysis chamber, wherein the aqueous hypochlorous
acid is free from hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides, and stabilizers. Further, in
another aspect of one embodiment, the inputting production system makes corrections
to a target pH balance of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using one or more
of a feedback controlled water pressure, a feedback controlled electric current, a
feedback controlled sodium chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
[0014] In some embodiments, the inputting production system makes corrections to a target
parts per million (PPM) of HOCl of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using
one or more of a feedback controlled water pressure, a feedback controlled electric
current, a feedback controlled sodium chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
In another aspect of some embodiments, the inputting production system makes corrections
to a target salt concentration of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using one
or more of a feedback controlled water pressure, a feedback controlled electric current,
a feedback controlled sodium chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
In still another aspect of some embodiments, the inputting production system makes
corrections to a target oxidative reduction potential (ORP) of the continuously monitored
HOCl solution using one or more of a feedback controlled water pressure, a feedback
controlled electric current, a feedback controlled sodium chloride, and a feedback
controlled sodium hydroxide. In yet another aspect of some embodiments, the inputting
production system makes corrections to a target amount of free chlorine concentration
of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using one or more of a feedback controlled
water pressure, a feedback controlled electric current, a feedback controlled sodium
chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
[0015] Other embodiments of a continuous batch monitoring and adjustment system include:
an HOCl storage vessel that stores an HOCl solution produced by an HOCl production
system that is constructed of appropriate materials and fully sealed, and a control
system including a pump, sensors, and a controller. The controller includes a processor
and a memory storing computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause
the processor to: continuously monitor HOCl solution characteristics, via sensors,
of HOCl solution that is the initial HOCl solution that is recirculated from the HOCl
storage vessel; calculate adjustments to initial parameters of the monitored initial
HOCl solution characteristics of the continuously monitored initial HOCl solution
characteristics; inform an inputting production system, via a dynamic feedback loop,
to make corrections to the initial parameters of the continuously monitored initial
HOCl solution characteristics and produce an updated HOCl solution with updated HOCl
solution characteristics; log predictive behaviors of HOCl production by the inputting
production system; and train continuous improvements in machine learning behavior
for the HOCl production by the inputting production system.
[0016] In one embodiment, the memory stores further computer instructions that, when executed
by the processor, cause the processor to: obtain additional information regarding
predictive behaviors of the HOCl production by one or more inputting production systems,
and retrain continuous improvements in machine learning behavior for the HOCl production
by the one or more inputting production systems. In another aspect of one embodiment,
the memory stores further computer instructions that, when executed by the processor,
further cause the processor to: detect that the HOCl storage vessel is empty; and
direct rinsing of the empty HOCl storage vessel. In still another aspect of one embodiment,
the memory stores further computer instructions that, when executed by the processor,
further cause the processor to: direct neutralization of unwanted HOCl solution in
the HOCl storage vessel; and perform automated purging of neutralized unwanted HOCl
solution.
[0017] In yet another aspect of one embodiment, the inputting production system includes
a processor and a memory storing computer instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to: control water flow rate into an electrolysis chamber
using water pressure, apply current to the electrolysis chamber via a power supply,
add sodium chloride brine to an anode chamber inlet and create an aqueous mixture,
add sodium hydroxide to the aqueous mixture, and produce aqueous hypochlorous acid
from the electrolysis chamber, wherein the aqueous hypochlorous acid is free from
hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides, and stabilizers. Further, in another aspect of
one embodiment, the inputting production system makes corrections to a target pH balance
of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using one or more of a feedback controlled
water pressure, a feedback controlled electric current, a feedback controlled sodium
chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
[0018] In some embodiments, the inputting production system makes corrections to a target
parts per million (PPM) of HOCl of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using
one or more of a feedback controlled water pressure, a feedback controlled electric
current, a feedback controlled sodium chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
In another aspect of some embodiments, the inputting production system makes corrections
to a target salt concentration of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using one
or more of a feedback controlled water pressure, a feedback controlled electric current,
a feedback controlled sodium chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
In still another aspect of some embodiments, the inputting production system makes
corrections to a target oxidative reduction potential (ORP) of the continuously monitored
HOCl solution using one or more of a feedback controlled water pressure, a feedback
controlled electric current, a feedback controlled sodium chloride, and a feedback
controlled sodium hydroxide. In yet another aspect of some embodiments, the inputting
production system makes corrections to a target amount of free chlorine concentration
of the continuously monitored HOCl solution using one or more of a feedback controlled
water pressure, a feedback controlled electric current, a feedback controlled sodium
chloride, and a feedback controlled sodium hydroxide.
[0019] Some embodiments of a continuous batch monitoring and adjustment method include:
accessing an HOCl storage vessel that stores an HOCl solution produced by an HOCl
production system; continuously pumping HOCl solution through a predictive feedback
control system; continuously monitoring initial HOCl solution characteristics, via
sensors, of the initial HOCl solution that is recirculated from the HOCl storage vessel;
calculating adjustments to initial parameters of the monitored initial HOCl solution
characteristics of the continuously monitored initial HOCl solution characteristics;
informing an inputting production system, via a dynamic feedback loop, to make corrections
to the initial parameters of the continuously monitored initial HOCl solution characteristics
and produce an updated HOCl solution with updated HOCl solution characteristics; and
verifying that a final HOCl solution is achieved with final target parameters from
a combination of the initial HOCl solution in the HOCl storage vessel with the updated
HOCl solution from the inputting production system.
[0020] Other embodiments of a continuous batch monitoring and adjustment method include:
accessing an HOCl storage vessel that stores an HOCl solution produced by an HOCl
production system; continuously pumping HOCl solution via an inlet line and an outlet
line, to and from the HOCl storage vessel; continuously monitor HOCl solution characteristics,
via sensors, of HOCl solution that is recirculated from the HOCl storage vessel; calculating
adjustment to target parameters of the monitored HOCl solution characteristics of
the continuously monitored HOCl solution characteristics; informing an inputting production
system, via a dynamic feedback loop, to make corrections to the target parameters
of the continuously monitored HOCl solution characteristics; verifying the continuously
monitored HOCl solution to traceable quality standards of the HOCl solution in the
HOCl storage vessel; logging predictive behaviors of HOCl production by the inputting
production system; and training continuous improvements in machine learning behavior
for the HOCl production by the inputting production system.
[0021] Referring now to another embodiment, an HOCl manufacturing, continuous batch monitoring,
and adjustment system, includes: an HOCl production system, an HOCl storage vessel,
and a predictive feedback control system. The HOCl production system has an electrolysis
chamber and a control system. The control system includes a processor and a memory
storing computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor
to: control water flow rate into an electrolysis chamber, by providing feedback controlled
water pressure; apply feedback controlled current to the electrolysis chamber via
an adjustable and high-current power supply; add sodium chloride brine, via a feedback
controlled actuator, to an anode chamber inlet and create an aqueous mixture; add
sodium hydroxide, via the feedback controlled actuator, to the aqueous mixture; and
produce an HOCl solution that is an aqueous hypochlorous acid at an anode chamber
outlet, and aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at a cathode chamber outlet, wherein
the aqueous hypochlorous acid is free from hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides, and
stabilizers. The HOCl storage vessel stores the HOCl solution produced by an HOCl
production system.
[0022] The predictive feedback control system includes a pump, sensors, and a controller.
The controller includes a processor and a memory storing computer instructions that,
when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: continuously monitor HOCl
solution characteristics, via sensors, of the HOCl solution that is recirculated from
the HOCl storage vessel; calculate adjustment to target parameters of the monitored
HOCl solution characteristics of the continuously monitored HOCl solution characteristics;
inform an inputting production system, via a dynamic feedback loop, to make corrections
to the target parameters of the continuously monitored HOCl solution characteristics;
log predictive behaviors of HOCl production by the inputting production system; and
train continuous improvements in machine learning behavior for the HOCl production
by the inputting production system.
[0023] In one or more other embodiments, the system further includes: one or more additional
predictive feedback control systems and associated HOCl storage vessels, each additional
predictive feedback control system and associated HOCl storage vessel enabled to produce
HOCl solution with different HOCl solution characteristics. In one such embodiment,
the HOCl solution characteristics include pH value and ppm value. In another aspect
of some embodiments, the memory stores further computer instructions that, when executed
by the processor, cause the processor to: obtain additional information regarding
predictive behaviors of the HOCl production by one or more inputting production systems,
and retrain continuous improvements in machine learning behavior for the HOCl production
by the one or more inputting production systems. In yet another aspect of some embodiments,
the informing of an inputting production system, via a dynamic feedback loop, to make
corrections to the target parameters of the continuously monitored HOCl solution characteristics,
further includes: adjusting the pH value of the input water prior to the input water
entering the electrolysis chamber, and modulating pH values of the aqueous hypochlorous
acid that is produced by the system using the pH value adjustment of the input water
in conjunction with adjustment of the sodium hydroxide input levels.
[0024] Referring now to still another embodiment, an HOCl manufacturing, continuous batch
monitoring, and adjustment system, includes: an HOCl production system, an HOCl storage
vessel, and a predictive feedback control system. The HOCl production system has an
electrolysis chamber and a control system. The control system includes a processor
and a memory storing computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause
the processor to: control water flow rate into an electrolysis chamber, by providing
feedback controlled water pressure; apply feedback controlled current to the electrolysis
chamber via an adjustable and high-current power supply; add sodium chloride brine,
via a feedback controlled actuator, to an anode chamber inlet and creating an aqueous
mixture; add sodium hydroxide, via the feedback controlled actuator, to the aqueous
mixture; and produce an HOCl solution that is an aqueous hypochlorous acid at an anode
chamber outlet, and aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at a cathode chamber outlet,
wherein the aqueous hypochlorous acid is free from hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides,
and stabilizers. The HOCl storage vessel stores the HOCl solution produced by the
HOCl production system.
[0025] The predictive feedback control system includes a pump, sensors, and a controller.
The controller includes a processor and a memory storing computer instructions that,
when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: continuously monitor HOCl
solution characteristics, via sensors, of the HOCl solution that is recirculated from
the HOCl storage vessel; calculate adjustment to target parameters of the monitored
HOCl solution characteristics of the continuously monitored HOCl solution characteristics;
inform an inputting production system, via a dynamic feedback loop, to make corrections
to the target parameters of the continuously monitored HOCl solution characteristics;
and verify that a final HOCl solution is achieved with final target parameters from
a combination of the initial HOCl solution in the HOCl storage vessel with the updated
HOCl solution from the inputting production system.
[0026] In one or more other embodiments, the system further includes: one or more additional
predictive feedback control systems and associated HOCl storage vessels, each additional
predictive feedback control system and associated HOCl storage vessel enabled to produce
HOCl solution with different HOCl solution characteristics. In one such embodiment,
the HOCl solution characteristics include pH value and ppm value. In another aspect
of some embodiments, the informing of an inputting production system, via a dynamic
feedback loop, to make corrections to the target parameters of the continuously monitored
HOCl solution characteristics, further comprises: adjusting the pH value of the input
water prior to the input water entering the electrolysis chamber, and modulating pH
values of the aqueous hypochlorous acid that is produced by the system using the pH
value adjustment of the input water in conjunction with adjustment of the sodium hydroxide
input levels.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The
sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn
to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not necessarily
drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned
to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn
are not necessarily intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape
of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition
in the drawings.
Figure 1 is a Raman spectrum that shows pure, stable, authenticated HOCl having a
singular measurable peak as measured by Raman spectroscopy at 728-732 centimeters-1, according to one example embodiment.
Figure 2 shows a graph of chlorine that is present as HOCl % as a function of pH with
substantially all available chlorine present as pure, stable, authentic HOCl at pH
between 4.0-5.33, according to one example embodiment.
Figure 3 shows a chart of chlorine that is present as HOCl as a function of pH with
substantially all available chlorine present as pure, stable, authentic HOCl at pH
between 4.0-5.33, according to one example embodiment.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of a deployable, remote controlled, secure manufacturing
unit for pure, stable, authentic HOCl, according to one example embodiment.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the components in an embodiment of the authentic
HOCl manufacturing system and method, according to one example embodiment.
Figure 6 is a logic diagram that displays a method for authentic HOCl manufacturing,
according to one example embodiment.
Figure 7 is a diagram of a piping system in one or more embodiments of the authentic
HOCl manufacturing system and method, according to one example embodiment.
Figure 8 is one embodiment of a smart tank predictive production feedback system,
which is a quality control Point of Use system that is remotely managed or controlled.
Figure 9 is another embodiment of a smart tank predictive production feedback system,
which is a quality control Point of Use system that is remotely managed or controlled.
Figure 10 is system having multiple smart tank predictive production feedback systems
working in conjunction with a single HOCl production system, according to one example
embodiment.
Figure 11 is a logic diagram that displays a method for a continuous batch monitoring
and adjustment system, according to one example embodiment.
Figure 12 shows a system diagram that describes an example implementation of a computing
system(s) for implementing embodiments described herein, according to one example
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] Persons of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the present disclosure
is illustrative only and not in any way limiting. Each of the features and teachings
disclosed herein can be utilized separately or in conjunction with other features
and teachings to provide a deployable, remote-controlled, hypochlorous acid (HOCl)
electrolysis manufacturing system and method. Representative examples utilizing many
of these additional features and teachings, both separately and in combination, are
described in further detail with reference to the attached figures. This detailed
description is merely intended to teach a person of skill in the art further details
for practicing aspects of the present teachings, and is not intended to limit the
scope of the claims. Therefore, combinations of features disclosed in the detailed
description may not be necessary to practice the teachings in the broadest sense,
and are instead taught merely to describe particularly representative examples of
the present teachings.
[0029] Some portions of the detailed descriptions herein are presented in terms of algorithms
and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory.
These algorithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled
in the data processing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their work
to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived to be
a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not necessarily,
these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being
stored, transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It has proven
convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals
as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.
[0030] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be
associated with the appropriate physical quantities, and are merely convenient labels
applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from
the below discussion, it is appreciated that throughout the description, discussions
utilizing terms such as "processing," "computing," "calculating," "determining," "displaying,"
"configuring," or the like, refer to the actions and processes of a computer system,
or similar electronic computing device, that manipulate and transform data represented
as physical (electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers and memories
into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer system
memories or registers or other such information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0031] Moreover, the various features of the representative examples and the dependent claims
may be combined in ways that are not specifically and explicitly enumerated in order
to provide additional useful embodiments of the present teachings. It is also expressly
noted that all value ranges or indications of groups of entities disclose every possible
intermediate value or intermediate entity for the purpose of original disclosure,
as well as for the purpose of restricting the claimed subject matter. It is also expressly
noted that the dimensions and the shapes of the components shown in the figures are
designed to help to understand how the present teachings are practiced, but not intended
to limit the dimensions and the shapes shown in the examples.
[0032] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which
follow, the word "comprise" and variations thereof, such as "comprises" and "comprising,"
are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as "including, but not limited
to." Reference throughout this specification to "one implementation" or "an implementation"
means that a particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in
any suitable manner in one or more implementations.
[0033] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an,"
and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its broadest sense,
that is, as meaning "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The headings
and Abstract of the Disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not
interpret the scope or meaning of the implementations.
[0034] Referring now to Figures 1-3, Figure 1 shows a Raman spectrum of pure, stable, authenticated
HOCl as measured by Raman spectroscopy, while Figure 2 shows a graph of chlorine that
is present as HOCl % as a function of pH with substantially all available chlorine
present as pure, stable, authentic HOCl at pH between 4.0-5.33. Additionally, Figure
3 shows a chart of chlorine that is present as HOCl as a function of pH with substantially
all available chlorine present as pure, stable, authentic HOCl at pH between 4.0-5.33.
[0035] The HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is a novel hypochlorous acid (HOCl)
production system that uses remote manufactured control for production of an authentically
pure HOCl that contains no detectable molecules of hypochlorite as measured by Raman
spectroscopy analysis at 720-740 centimeters
-1, optimally at 728-732 centimeters
-1. The absence of detectable hypochlorite contributes to stability by the avoidance
of acceleration of reactions that degrade HOCl, and where these characteristics of
a singular 720-740 centimeters
-1 Raman peak, a complete HOCl presentation between pH 4.0-5.33 and state of isotonicity.
Such stability relates to the primary values in hypochlorous acid shelf stability
in terms of the concentration of HOCl in parts per million, Oxidation Reduction Potential
(ORP), pH and thermal tolerance from -80°C to 100°C.
[0036] The HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 controls the production of authentically
pure HOCl without need of trained personnel. In widely diverse environmental conditions,
locales, and inputs, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 maintains optimal
ranges of pH, ORP, active ingredient (Cl) and purity through ethernet, cellular, or
satcom-connected and controlled electrolysis. The HOCl manufacturing system and method
100 includes features determining automated processes through feedback loops in water
filtration, pressure modulation, ingress and egress flow, specifically-created turbulence
specificity, electrical amperage, brine input concentrations and magnetic inputs so
as to provide real time pharmaceutical-level synthesis of HOCl in globally remote
environments with untrained personnel.
[0037] Figure 4 shows a deployable, remote controlled, secure HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100 for pure, stable, authentic hypochlorous acid (HOCl). The HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100 produces pure, authentic, and stable hypochlorous acid without
stabilizing buffers or aqueous chlorine, at high-volume, in a uniquely safe and continually
sensor-monitored process. The HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 implements
an electrochemical process system that produces an authentic and stabilized hypochlorous
acid. The HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 provides verifiable synthesis of
authentic, stabilized hypochlorous acid that may, by way of non-limiting theory and
according to certain embodiments, supplement, supplant, replace, or beneficially introduce
HOCl in contexts where HOCl produced by human neutrophils is absent, insufficient,
or otherwise unavailable. The HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is a deployable
unit that may be positioned anywhere in the world and can function using remotely
sensor-monitored and controlled processes.
[0038] The HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes a process control center, a
remote communications center, a security center, a power center, and I/O center. The
process control center, which is described in further detail below, monitors and controls
the manufacturing process of the pure, stable, authentic hypochlorous acid (HOCl).
The remote communications center enables authorized personnel to remotely monitor
and control the manufacturing process of the pure, stable, authentic hypochlorous
acid (HOCl) from another remote location. The security center and it functions, which
are described in further detail below, provide and manage various security features
related to the manufacturing process of the pure, stable, authentic hypochlorous acid
(HOCl) and the structure of the deployed HOCl manufacturing system itself. The power
center of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 regulates the power of the
system. In some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is sustainably
powered with solar panels and other renewable energy devices that feed a battery appliance
(e.g., a Powerwall battery). Some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100 enable excess energy to be made available to a local community either for
free or as a paid service. The I/O center of the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100 may control and manage a User Interface Portal that enables the dispensing and
sale of pure, stable, authentic hypochlorous acid (HOCl) by cell phone payment, cash,
or credit card.
[0039] The functionality produced by these centers enables the HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100 to be delivered virtually anywhere on earth and run at pharmaceutical
quality levels by individuals without skill in machinery or chemistry. The HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100 requires little to no maintenance and produces high volumes
of pharmaceutical quality HOCl. As shown in Figure 4, in some embodiments the HOCl
manufacturing system and method 100 has a compact footprint that makes it portable
and scaleable for per unit and multi-unit production. In one or more embodiments,
the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 may operate with only readily available
saltwater inputs and provide high volumes of pure, stable, authentic hypochlorous
acid (HOCl) via distributed localized manufacturing.
[0040] In some embodiments, the communications center of the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100 provides remote access to the system through a local Virtual Private Network,
and optionally, Satellite Links, Cellular or Wired or Wireless Ethernet connectivity.
In embodiments that utilize Satellite connectivity, the HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100 may be deployed and functional virtually anywhere on earth. Additionally,
in embodiments that utilize Satellite connectivity, the HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100 may provide local community centered Internet and cell phone connectivity.
Such remote connectivity by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is preferentially
dynamic. In some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 may be
sporadically accessed in periodic downloads for monitoring operations, validation
of preventative maintenance, and tolling fee indices of the system.
[0041] In other embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 utilizes VPN technology,
which is certified to handle credit cards (PCI) to protect the data in flight. Additionally,
other embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 that utilize VPN
technology may leverage the Wi-Fi of an airport or localized facilities. In another
aspect of the communications center, other cybersecurity technologies are implemented
to ensure that the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is not tampered with from
a cyber-attack.
[0042] In another aspect of some embodiments, HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 also
includes a water purification system producing large amounts (e.g., 3000 gallons per
day, 5000 gallons per day, and the like) of clean drinking water. In one or more embodiments,
the water purification system is a WARP (Water and Renewable Power) system that is
self-powered, low-cost, rugged, and reliable. In some embodiments, the water purification
system uses a series of spin-down filters of optionally 152, 104, 61, 30, 15, 20,
10, 5, 1 and .5 micron filters some of which may be in preferential embodiments be
made of zeta-charged electro-absorptive aluminum, coupled with UV filtration, Silecte
Quantum Disinfection and Carbon Block filtration such that water meets WHO `Guidelines
for Drinking-water Quality.' In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100, electrically charged membranes, submicron media filters, and deionization
are used to assure appropriate water quality minimizing collateral electro-chemical
reactions in the electrolysis process. Accordingly, some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100 provide both HOCl production and clean drinking water for a
local community even when sourced from local water.
[0043] Referring now to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the components (e.g.,
piping, valves, gauges, pumps, tanks, etc.) and process flow in an embodiment of the
HOCl manufacturing system and method 100. In one or more embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100 employs potable water (e.g., from municipal water services or
otherwise pumped from available water supplies). In some embodiments, the water entering
the system is demineralized and purified by a water treatment system before entering
the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100. At 110, supply water enters into the
HOCl manufacturing system 100. The supply water 110 travels in supply water line 112
through the inlet pressure regulator 114, the inlet solenoid valve 116, the water
filter 118, and the water deionizer 120 to the brine supply water "T" 122. The inlet
pressure regulator 114 controls the pressure of the water in the supply water line
112. The inlet solenoid valve 116 controls the flow rate of the water in the supply
water line 112.
[0044] The water filter 118 removes particulates from the water in the supply water line
112. The water deionizer 120 removes ionized particles from the water in the supply
water line 112. Ionized particles with a positive charge are called "cations" and
ionized particles with a negative charge are called "anions". The water deionizer
120 includes resins that remove non-desirable cations and anions. Ionized particles
commonly found in municipal water supplies include Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Manganese,
Sodium, and Hydrogen, which are cations, and Chlorides, Sulfates, Nitrates, Carbonates,
Silica, Hydroxyl, which are anions. In other embodiments, the water entering the system
is deionized by a water deionizer before entering the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100. In still other embodiments, the supply water is known to be within acceptable
parameters so some or all of these operations are not necessary.
[0045] In some embodiments, the brine supply water "T" 122 splits the brine supply water
line 123 off of the supply water line 112, which continues to the water supply tank
126. Brine supply water line 123 carries water from the brine supply water "T" 122
back to the brine H2O output 124, which may be used by the brine input 164.
[0046] As mentioned above, the supply water line 112 carries supply water to the water supply
tank 126. The water supply tank 126 includes a supply tank float valve 128, a supply
max level sensor 130, and a supply low level sensor 132. The supply low level sensor
132 senses if the water supply in the water supply tank 126 is too low, the supply
max level sensor 130 senses if the water supply in the water supply tank 126 is too
high, and the supply tank float valve 128 senses an actual water level in the water
supply tank 126 using a float valve. In some embodiments, the supply tank float valve
128 maintains a water level in the water supply tank 126. In another aspect of one
or more embodiments, the inlet pressure regulator 114 and the inlet solenoid valve
116 to control the water pressure and water flow rate into the water supply tank 126.
[0047] In one of more embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, water from the water
supply tank 126 is connected to the electrolysis cell 138 by a catholyte line 134
and an anolyte line 136. specifically, the catholyte line 134 connects to the cathode
chamber 140 of the electrolysis cell 138, which includes a cathode 146, and the anode
line 136 connects to the anode chamber 142 of the electrolysis cell 138, which includes
a cathode 148. Notably, the cathode chamber 140 of the electrolysis cell 138 is separated
from the anode chamber 142 of the electrolysis cell 138 by a membrane 144.
[0048] In some embodiments, water exits using the catholyte line 134 from the water supply
tank 126 and travels through the catholyte pump 150, the catholyte pressure switch
152, the catholyte check valve 154, and catholyte flow sensor 156 in route to the
cathode chamber 140 of the electrolysis cell 138. The catholyte pump 150 in used to
pump water within the catholyte line 134 and in combination with the catholyte pressure
switch 152 control water pressure within the catholyte line 134. The catholyte check
valve 154 is used to control the water flow rate in the catholyte line 134, which
is monitored by the catholyte flow sensor 156. The catholyte flow sensor 156 sends
information back to the catholyte check valve 154 (as well as the catholyte pump 150,
the catholyte pressure switch 152 in some embodiments) to control the water pressure
and water flow rate of water into the cathode chamber 140 of the electrolysis cell
138, thereby creating closed loop feedback control.
[0049] In another aspect of some embodiments, water also exits using the anolyte line 136
from the water supply tank 126 and travels through the anolyte pump 158, the anolyte
ph sensor 160, the anolyte pressure sensor 162, in route to the anolyte brine injection
quill 172. Correspondingly, brine (e.g., a combination of water and a salt, such as
NaCl) enters the HOCl manufacturing system 100 using the brine anode line 166 from
the brine input 164 and travels through the brine dosing pump 168, in route to the
anolyte brine injection quill 172. Notably, some brine is also separated from the
brine anode line 166 at the brine dosing pump 168 along a brine priming line 170 to
help prime the brine anode line 166 and the brine dosing pump 168. Thus, at the anolyte
brine injection quill 172, water from the water supply tank 126 via the anolyte line
136 is combined with brine from the brine anode line 166. The combination of water
from the anolyte line 136 and brine from the brine anode line 166 then travels through
the anolyte mixer 174, the anolyte check valve 176, and the anolyte flow sensor 178
to the anode chamber 142 of the electrolysis cell 138. The anolyte mixer 174 mixes
the water from the water supply tank 126 and the brine from the brine anode line 166.
The anolyte check valve 176 controls the flow rate of the water/brine mixture, and
the anolyte flow sensor 178 senses the flow rate of the water/brine mixture. Additionally,
the anolyte flow sensor 178 sends the flow rate information back to the anolyte check
valve 176 (and the anolyte pump 158 in some embodiments) to control the flow rate
of the water/brine mixture in real time, thereby creating a closed loop feedback control
system.
[0050] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, electrical current is applied
to electrolysis cell 138 by a high-current power supply 180. In one or more embodiments,
the high-current power supply 180 is a DC power supply that includes (or is otherwise
associated with) a sensor. The sensor provides feedback information back to the power
supply which can vary the voltage as appropriate to create a closed loop feedback
controlled system. Additionally, the electrical current applied by the feedback controlled
high-current power supply 180 is adjustable. In an alternate embodiment, the process
could maintain constant voltage control, but constant current provides better control
of the process. In some embodiments, the feedback controlled high-current power supply
180 is adjustable from a remote location (e.g., another country, another state, another
city, or other geographically distinct location). In some embodiments, the current
density is remotely controlled in a range of 1,000 to 5,000 Amperes/square meter.
The current density range is a function of the conversion appropriate for the specifications
of desired outcome product, e.g., agriculture products utilize approximately 35ppm
and lower current density range, while prion and COVID-19 virus disinfection utilizes
approximately 300 ppm and higher current density range. By applying the feedback-controlled
electrical current in one or more embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100,
aqueous hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced in the anode chamber 142. Additionally,
aqueous sodium hydroxide solution (NaOH) is produced at the cathode chamber 140.
[0051] As discussed above, sodium chloride (NaCl) brine (or other saltwater brine) is added
(and remotely controlled in some embodiments) via the feedback controlled anolyte
pump 158 and anolyte check valve 176 into the anode chamber 142 of the of the electrolysis
cell 138. In some embodiments, the supply water brine that is input into the anode
chamber 142 of the of the electrolysis cell 138 is in a salinity range of between
500 and 30,000 parts per million (as needed and directed by characteristics of the
product specifications dynamically at the time of production). In one or more embodiments,
the NaCl Brine input range is remotely controlled at a level that is appropriate for
the specifications of the desired outcome product (e.g., 500ppm equates to a no salt
disinfectant, 20,000ppm equates to an isotonic spray, and 30,000ppm equates to ocean
water inputs).
[0052] In one or more embodiments, the aqueous hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is produced in the
anode chamber 142 exits the electrolysis cell 138 via an HOCl Line 182. The HOCl product
travels in the HOCl Line 182 through the HOCl pH Sensor 184 and the HOCl salt sensor
186 to a HOCl Supply "T" 188. The HOCl pH Sensor 184 monitors the pH levels in the
HOCl product travelling in the HOCl Line 182. The HOCl salt sensor 186 monitors the
salt concentration levels in the HOCl product travelling in the HOCl Line 182. The
pH level information from the HOCl pH sensor 184 may be sent back to the control systems
associated with the water supply tank 126 to control the ph levels of the input water
from the water supply tank 126.
[0053] In another aspect of the of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, HOCl product from
the HOCl line 182 is split off at the HOCl supply "T" 188 to an HOCl line out 190.
The HOCl line out 190 travels out of the HOCl manufacturing system 100 to an HOCl
test system 192, which performs a variety of tests on numerous parameters (e.g., pH,
oxidative reduction potential (ORP), free chlorine concentration, salt concentration,
conductivity, temperature, and the like) of the HOCl product.
[0054] Furthermore, most of the HOCl product from the HOCl line 182 travels through the
HOCl supply "T" 188 and into a HOCl back pressure line 193. The HOCl back pressure
line 193 transports HOCl product through the HOCl back pressure valve 194 and into
an HOCl 3-way diverter valve 196. Some of the HOCl product that travels through the
HOCl 3-way diverter valve 196 splits off into 3-way diverter line 198 and into a NaOH
tank 232. Specifically, the HOCl 3-way diverter valve 196 directs non-conforming HOCl
product to the NaOH tank 232 (i.e., NaOH waste tank) and changes position when the
control system detects that the HOCl solution is within production specifications
and diverts the conforming HOCl product to the "good" HOCl tank 200. However, the
majority of the HOCl product travels through the HOCl 3-way diverter valve 196 and
into the HOCl tank 200. In another aspect of some embodiments, the HOCl tank 200 includes
an HOCl tank level sensor 202 and a HOCl tank max level sensor 204. The HOCl tank
max level sensor 204 provides a sensor to ensure that a maximum level of the HOCl
Tank 200 is not surpassed. The HOCl tank level sensor 202 monitors the level of the
HOCl product in the HOCl tank 200.
[0055] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, the HOCl product exits
the HOCl tank 200 via an HOCl output line 205. The HOCl output line 205 provides a
conduit for the HOCl product to travel through an HOCl pump 206, HOCl pressure switch
208, and an HOCl solenoid valve 210 to HOCl output port 212 out of the HOCl manufacturing
system 100. The HOCl pump 206 pumps HOCl product through the HOCl output line 205.
The HOCl pressure switch 208 controls the pressure of the HOCl product in the HOCl
output line 205, and the HOCl solenoid valve 210 controls the flow rate of the HOCl
product to the HOCl output port 212. In one or more embodiments, the HOCl Output Line
205 also is operatively associated with one or more sensors (not shown) that monitor
the pressure and flow rate of the HOCl product in the HOCl output line 205. Information
from these sensors is communicated back to one or more of the HOCl pump 206, HOCl
pressure switch 208, and HOCl solenoid valve 210, to provide closed loop feedback
control of the pressure and flow rate of the HOCl product in the HOCl output line
205.
[0056] Referring again to the electrolysis cell 138, NaOH exits the cathode chamber 140
of the electrolysis cell 138 via a NaOH electrolysis output line 214. The NaOH electrolysis
output line 214 provides a conduit for aqueous NaOH through the NaOH back pressure
valve 216 to the NaOH blend tank 218. The NaOH back pressure valve 216 controls the
pressure and/or flow rate of the aqueous NaOH into the NaOH blend tank 218. In some
embodiments, the NaOH blend tank 218 includes a NaOH blend tank max level sensor 220
to ensure that a maximum level of aqueous NaOH in the NaOH blend tank 218 is not surpassed.
[0057] Notably, some of the aqueous NaOH exits the NaOH blend tank 218 out of NaOH supply
tank input line 222, through the NaOH blend pump 224 and the NaOH blend max flow valve
226, and into supply tank 126. The addition of aqueous NaOH into the supply tank 126
controls the pH value of the water in the supply tank 126 that is input into the electrolysis
cell 138, thus controlling the pH level of the HOCl product exiting the anode chamber
142 and the electrolysis cell 138. Notably, the NaOH blend pump 224 controls the pressure
of the aqueous NaOH in the NaOH supply tank input line 222 to the supply tank 126,
and the NaOH blend max flow valve 226 controls the flow rate of the aqueous NaOH in
the NaOH supply tank input line 222 to the supply tank 126.
[0058] Notably, in some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, pH values from
the input water in the supply tank 126 are measured, determined, or otherwise obtained.
Otherwise stated, it is determined if the input water is neutral, acidic, or alkaline.
In one or more embodiments, these pH values from the input water are used in conjunction
with the NaOH input levels (i.e., the ppm of the NaOH) to control the pH values of
the HOCl solution that is output from the Electrolysis Cell 138. Accordingly, in some
embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, the pH value of the water is adjusted
to modulate the pH level of the HOCl product from the electrolysis cell 138. For example,
in one or more embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, the pH of the input
water is increased prior to it entering the electrolysis chamber 138. In some embodiments,
this technique may be used to counter the non-linear reduction in pH that occurs during
the electrolysis process.
[0059] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, the aqueous NaOH that is
input into the water supply tank 126 is in a range of 100 to 500 parts per million
(ppm). The NaOH input range is remotely controlled as is appropriate for the specifications
of the desired pH outcome (e.g., 100ppm equating to pH of 6.0, 200ppm equating to
a pH of 5.3pH, 360ppm equating to a pH of 4.2pH, 400ppm equating to a pH of 4.0pH,
and 500ppm equating to a pH of 3.5pH with an input water pH of 7.4). In other embodiments
of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, the aqueous NaOH is supplied from an aqueous
solution independent of the electrolysis mechanism with a feedback control system.
[0060] In another aspect of the HOCl manufacturing system 100, some of the aqueous NaOH
from the NaOH blend tank 218 exits via the NaOH tank input line 230 to the NaOH tank
232. The NaOH tank 232 includes NaOH tank maximum level sensor 236 and a NaOH tank
level sensor 234. The NaOH tank max level sensor 236 provides a sensor to ensure that
a maximum level of the NaOH tank 232 is not surpassed. The NaOH tank level sensor
234 monitors the level of the NaOH by-product in the NaOH Tank 232. NaOH by-product
exits the NaOH Tank 232 via the NaOH by-product line 238. The NaOH by-product is advanced
in the NaOH by-product line 238 via an NaOH by-product pump 240 to the NaOH by-product
"T" 242.
[0061] In one or more embodiments, some of the NaOH by-product in the NaOH by-product line
238 travels through the NaOH by-product pressure switch 244 and NaOH by-product solenoid
valve 244 to the NaOH by-product output port 248 that leads out of the HOCl manufacturing
system 100. The NaOH by-product pressure switch 244 controls the pressure of the NaOH
by-product in the NaOH by-product line 238. More specifically, these pressure sensors
are safety devices to assure the output lines are clear and able to flow product,
as well as assuring that the NaOH and HOCl pumps are working. The NaOH by-product
solenoid valve 244 controls the flow rate of the NaOH by-product in the NaOH by-product
line 238. In some embodiments, the NaOH by-product line 238 also is operatively associated
with one or more sensors (not shown) that monitor the pressure and flow rate of the
NaOH by-product in the NaOH by-product line 238. Information from these sensors is
communicated back to one or more of the NaOH by-product Pump 240, NaOH by-product
pressure switch 244, and the NaOH by-product solenoid valve 246, to provide closed
loop feedback control of the pressure and flow rate of the NaOH by-product in the
NaOH by-product line 238.
[0062] Additionally, some NaOH waste product is diverted from the NaOH by-product line 238
at the NaOH by-product "T" 242 to a NaOH waste line 250. In this HOCl production environment,
NaOH waste product is defined as NaOH byproduct solution that is contaminated with
HOCl solution due to the diversion of non-conforming HOCl solution into the NaOH tank
232 (i.e., NaOH waste tank). In some embodiment of the current HOCl production system
100, the control system must detect three full pump-outs of the waste after the HOCl
solution is within acceptable production range and the HOCl 3-way diverter valve 196
is no longer diverting nonconforming HOCl solution into the NaOH tank 232 (i.e., NaOH
waste tank). After three full pump-outs of the NaOH waste product, it is determined
that the NaOH solution in the NaOH tank 232 is nominally free from chlorine contamination
and the NaOH solution is therefore "pure".
[0063] The NaOH waste line 250 provides a conduit for the waste product through the NaOH
waste pressure switch 252 and the NaOH waste solenoid valve 254 to the NaOH waste
output port 256 that exits the HOCl manufacturing system 100. The NaOH waste pressure
switch 252 controls the pressure of the NaOH waste product in the NaOH waste line
250 to the NaOH waste output port 256. The NaOH waste solenoid valve 254 controls
the flow rate of the NaOH waste product in the NaOH waste line 250 to the NaOH waste
output port 256. In one or more embodiments, the NaOH waste line 250 also is operatively
associated with one or more sensors (not shown) that monitor the pressure and flow
rate of the NaOH waste product in the NaOH waste line 250. Information from these
sensors is communicated back to one or more of the NaOH waste pressure switch 252
and the NaOH waste solenoid valve 254, to provide closed loop feedback control of
the pressure and flow rate of the NaOH waste in the NaOH waste line 250.
[0064] Referring now to Figure 6, a logic diagram is shown that displays a method for a
continuous batch monitoring and adjustment system. At operation 1110, the method providing
feedback controlled water pressure to an anode chamber and a cathode chamber of an
electrolysis cell. At operation 1120, the method includes controlling anolyte flow
rate into the anode chamber of the electrolysis cell and cathode flow rate into the
catholyte chamber of the electrolysis cell. At operation 1130, the method includes
adding sodium chloride brine, via a feedback controlled pump, to the anode chamber
of the electrolysis cell and creating an aqueous mixture. At operation 1140, the method
includes applying current to the electrolysis chamber via an adjustable and feedback
controlled high-current power supply. At operation 1150, the method includes adding
sodium hydroxide, via the feedback controlled pump, to the aqueous mixture in the
electrolysis cell. At operation 1160, the method includes producing unadulterated
aqueous hypochlorous acid at an anode chamber outlet, and aqueous sodium hydroxide
solution at a cathode chamber outlet, wherein the unadulterated aqueous hypochlorous
acid is free from hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides, and stabilizers.
[0065] In some embodiments, unadulterated aqueous hypochlorous acid is defined as aqueous
hypochlorous acid that only includes HOCl and water. In another embodiment, unadulterated
aqueous hypochlorous acid is defined as aqueous hypochlorous acid that only includes
HOCl, water, and salt (e.g., NaCl).
[0066] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, product purity
and quality are assured through continuous remote monitoring and error correction
of system parameters. For example, electrochemical parameters that are measured and
controlled include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: pH, oxidative
reduction potential (ORP), free chlorine concentration, conductivity, and process
temperature, and are continuously measured by appropriate sensors 1260. In other aspect
of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, still further parameters that are
measured and controlled include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation:
anolyte flow rate, catholyte flow rate, supply water pressure, anolyte output pressure,
catholyte output pressure, intrusion and tampering, and venting and gas presence.
[0067] The multiple variables that inform quality control include, by way of example only,
and not by way of limitation: temperature, water quality, production output characteristics,
chemical inputs of salt and hydroxide, pH inputs and outputs, electrical power quality,
chlorine gas and hydrogen emission measurement and control. In some embodiments of
the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, water quality is controlled through
minimal set points on hardness through Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measurements that
cause a shutoff at >1ppm of calcium or magnesium. In another aspect of some embodiments,
batch variability is measured (dynamically and over time) for system production variable
errors to inform quality characteristics and optimal operating conditions that indicate
proper immediate, ongoing, and scheduled maintenance needs.
[0068] In still another aspect of some embodiments, chemical inputs of salt and hydroxide
are dynamically and remotely controlled by the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100 in accordance with the specifications of the desired output product (
i.e., as determined by intended use of the product specifications). In this manner, for
example, product specifications for sanitizer will be different than for wound healing.
In yet another aspect of some embodiments, pH inputs and outputs that are dynamically
and remotely controlled by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 in accordance
with the specifications of the desired output product (
i.e., as determined by intended use of the product specifications). In this regard, the
pH of the water input will affect the pH of the product that is output. As described
above, product specifications for sanitizer will be different than for wound healing.
[0069] In some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 controls parameters
that include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: salinity, chamber
flow rate, chamber current and voltage, and pH. In such embodiments, these parameters
may be controlled by dynamic adjustment of feedback control loop gain in each case.
Some parameters are dynamically determined by product specifications that vary with
respect to the parameters of the particular product applications (
e.g., eye care, crop anti-fungal, medical disinfection, wound healing, and the like).
Such parameters include, by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: product
pH, product Free Available Chlorine (FAC), intracellular pressure, flow rate of anolyte,
flow rate of catholyte, operating temperature, oxidation reduction potential (ORP),
brine concentration and pH, chamber current and voltage, and product conductivity.
[0070] In one or more embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, harmonic
distortion, noise, and voltage variability can impact the operation of the electrolysis
chamber with potential detriment to the quality of the HOCl produced. Accordingly,
in such embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the power inputs
are continuously monitored and correlated with system loop errors to inform any such
negative effects therefrom. In some embodiments, data from the monitoring and system
loop errors may be used to activate a power factor correction to circuitry to mediate
such effects. In one or more embodiment, data from the monitoring and system loop
errors may be used to activate a system shutdown in an extreme situation.
[0071] Notably, in some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the
system monitors pH and Free Available Chlorine (FAC). The FAC may be measured amperometrically,
spectrographically, or both. This measurement confirms that the FAC measured is chlorine
in the HOCl form and not in the Cl
2 or OCl form, thereby ensure safety of manufacturing and product quality.
[0072] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the dynamically
determined range of pH is between 3.5 and 6.0. In some more preferred embodiments
of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the dynamically determined range
of pH is between 4.0 and 5.3. In some most preferred embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100, the dynamically determined range of pH is between 4.0-4.2.
[0073] In another aspect of some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100, the dynamically determined range of ORP is between 850 and 1200. In some preferred
embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the dynamically determined
range of ORP is 1000-1100.
[0074] In still another aspect of some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100, the dynamically determined range of free chlorine concentration is between
25 and 2000. In some preferred embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100, the dynamically determined range of free chlorine concentration is between 100
and 500. In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the
dynamically determined range of salinity is between .01% and 2%.
[0075] In yet another aspect of some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100, the acceptable range of process temperature is between 0°C and 24°C. Accordingly,
in one or more embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, monitors
the temperature outside the unit to assist with maintaining the proper operating temperature.
Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100 compensates for temperature changes by using adjustments of current, NaCl,
NaOH, pressure, velocity, and velocity inputs.
[0076] Additionally, in some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100,
the electrolysis chamber is fed with a pH-controlled and identified premixed brine
with parameters of pH of 11-12.5 and salinity of 700 micro Siemens (µS) to 20mS.
[0077] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the main control
loops that are active during normal operation include, by way of example only, and
not by way of limitation: NaOH injection, electric current, saline concentration,
and flow rate. In one or more embodiments, a set pH is maintained by automatically
varying the amount of sodium hydroxide added to the anolyte chamber 1120 inlet via
an injection pump 1190 (or other actuator). Additionally, in one or more embodiments,
a free chlorine concentration set-point is maintained by varying the amount of each
of electric current, saline concentration, and flow rate, both independently and concurrently.
[0078] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the process
control center monitors and controls multiple feedback loops. For example, in one
or more embodiments, the process control center controls the brine input variable
that affects parts per million (ppm) of the active ingredient. Additionally, in one
or more embodiments, the process control center controls the target pH using a catholyte
control loop. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the process control center
controls flow rate, which fine tunes the volume and pH value. All of these feedback
control loops provide upper and lower limits using qualitative controls of both dynamic
inline readouts and sampled averages. In this manner, parameter limits may be dynamically
set remotely and monitored through the feedback loops for quality affected by factors
such as local water, power, and input variables. These parameter limits may provide
for local and remote feedback such as "Acceptable," "Warning," and "Failure/Stop"
modes that are communicated through the remote communications system. This communications
system may send messages to either or both of a local operator and the basecamp remote
home factory.
[0079] Accordingly, in such embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 employs
process controls that manage these parameters through remote monitoring and feedback
loop systems. These feedback loop systems provide a quality control consistency of
manufacture that may be adjusted to meet whatever product specifications are desired.
[0080] As described herein, the authentic, unadulterated pure aqueous hypochlorous acid
produced by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is defined as a free chlorine
concentration solution of hypochlorous acid that does not contain stabilizing buffers
and does not contain detectable hypochlorite, and in which the pH is measured in the
spectrum that completes its chemical reaction and at a Raman spectrographic range
of 720-740 centimeters
-1 with a pH that maximizes its ORP. In other embodiments, UV-Vis spectroscopy may be
used, or another suitable spectroscopy method.
[0081] Any amount of hypochlorite that exists in a less than authentic, unadulterated impure
HOCl solution (known scientifically as "mixed oxidant"), creates a condition of reactivity
that drives the mixed oxidant HOCl solution into a degrading chemical reaction which
eventually leads to a full hypochlorite state (i.e., a full reduction in its oxidative
capacity). This degrading chemical reaction in a mixed oxidant HOCl solution has been
typically been contained in prior systems through use of stabilizing buffers. For
this reason, mixed oxidant HOCl solution can be identified as such (
i.e., a less than authentic, unadulterated pure HOCl solution), even if they claim to be
"pure," by their inclusion of stabilizing buffers, hypochlorite, or both. Even a very
small amount of either stabilizing buffers, hypochlorite, or both renders any such
solution as a mixed oxidant, and not an authentic, unadulterated pure aqueous hypochlorous
acid. Furthermore, the addition of stabilizing buffers adulterates any solution into
an impure state by definition.
[0082] In one or more other embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system 100 utilizes an electrolysis
chamber with some platinum encased components. In some embodiments, the electrolysis
chamber housing is preferentially alternating platinum and ruthenium-iridium oxide
encased. Notably, higher ppm values (
e.g., 500-2000 ppm) are attained as a result of using a sandwich of platinum cathodes
and ruthenium-iridium anodes (
i.e., positioning platinum cathodes and ruthenium-iridium anodes between each other).
Otherwise stated, higher ppm values of pure HOCl as Free Available Chlorine as high
as 2000ppm are achieved through the conversion of reactive oxidant species flowing
between plenums of platinum surfaced cathodes and ruthinium-iridium oxide coated anodes.
In another aspect of some embodiments, a electrolysis chamber housing is utilized
that is bifurcated with hydrogen-permeable membranes, such as a Nafion
™ (sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene based fluoropolymer-copolymer) membrane.
[0083] In some embodiments, the anolyte (
i.e., aqueous hypochlorous acid) and the catholyte (
i.e., aqueous sodium hydroxide solution) are produced in tandem flows in a controllable
condition of non-reciprocity of flow. In another aspect, the anolyte hypochlorous
acid is free from hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides, and stabilizers and exhibits
thermal resistant stability. Furthermore, the aqueous hypochlorous acid possesses
an ORP state of greater than 1000. In still further embodiments, the aqueous hypochlorous
acid possesses an ORP state of preferentially greater than 1100. Notably, stable ORP
is a significant component of HOCl viability in the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100.
[0084] In another aspect of some embodiments described with respect to Figure 7, the HOCl
manufacturing system and method 100 the electrolysis chamber uses backflow pressure
control, gating, and feedback at anolyte and catholyte exit ports, such that the exiting
laminar flows of both anolyte and catholyte are restricted in a manner that interrupts
flow and creates backpressure inside the vessel. The backpressure interrupts the traditional
efficacy of the transformation of hydrogen and oxygen splitting in electrolysis and
maximizes reconfiguration of hydrogen bonding reformation in anolyte production through
creation of eddy whorls at the edges of laminar flow in platinum encased plenums through
extended exposure to `time in chamber' effect. This action maximizes non-linear flow
of laminar flow through backpressure-controlled exit gating.
[0085] Additionally, flow modeling shows that this process creates chaotic eddy formation
within the brine input and electrochemical transactions in known points of the chamber.
Through co-located external introduction to these points of non-linear flow on the
anolyte side of the electrolysis chamber, the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100 optionally positions one or more of permanent magnets such that their positive
magnetic field lines intersect through a non-magnetic outer housing with the maximum
electrochemical eddy whorl stream internal to the non-linear anolyte flow.
[0086] Using this method, a hydrogen lattice may be developed by the positive magnetic field
presentation to an electrochemical process in a defined eddy whorl flow of a laminar
flow platinum saltwater electrolysis process. The resulting HOCl produced is a free
chlorine concentration solution of hypochlorous acid that does not contain stabilizing
buffers and does not contain detectable hypochlorite, and in which the pH is measured
in the spectrum that completes its chemical reaction at a spectrographic range of
720-740 centimeters
-1 with a pH that maximizes its ORP, as shown in Figure 1. Additionally, the resulting
HOCl is imbedded in a carrier of electrolyzed water, preferentially isotonic, but
optionally .01% - 2% salt, and a condition of maximized oxidative reduction potential
(ORP) preferentially 1000-1100.
[0087] Raman scattering is a spectroscopic technique that provides information about molecular
vibrations and may be used for sample identification and quantitation. Raman spectroscopy
involves shining a monochromatic light source (
i.e., laser) on a sample and detecting the scattered light. The majority of the scattered
light is of the same frequency as the excitation source. However, a very small amount
of the scattered light is shifted in energy from the laser frequency due to interactions
between the incident electromagnetic waves and the vibrational energy levels of the
molecules in the sample. Plotting the intensity of this "shifted" light versus frequency
results in a Raman spectrum of the sample. The Raman spectrum can be interpreted in
a manner similar to the interpretation of an infrared (IR) absorption spectrum.
[0088] In some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is a deployable,
modular, high-production pure hypochlorous acid (HOCl) manufacturing system. The HOCl
manufacturing system and method 100 produces pure, stable, authentic HOCl. The HOCl
manufacturing system and method 100 is designed for deployment and on-site production
of HOCl at a remote location by remote monitoring and control. Significantly, the
HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 produces pure, stable, authentic HOCl using
only electrolyzed water, HOCl and table salt. The pure, stable, authentic HOCl produced
by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 contains 0% detectable bleach, %0
detectable chlorates, and 0% detectable alcohol, using detection methodologies as
described herein and known in the art. Additionally, the pure, authentic HOCl produced
by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is stable at room temperature, freezing
temperatures (
i.e., -80°C), and high temperatures (
i.e., 80°C). As defined herein, stable means that the HOCl composition described herein
within an unopened container, has a detectable loss of ORP after 36 months of storage
at 25°C that is less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and more preferably 0%. Additionally,
as defined herein, stable means that the HOCl composition described herein within
an unopened container, has a detectable loss of HOCl after 36 months of storage at
25°C that is less than 50% and still more preferably less than 25%. Furthermore, as
defined herein, stable means that the HOCl composition described herein within an
unopened container, has no measurable hypochlorites or oxidants (other than HOCl)
after 36 months of storage at 25°C.
[0089] Notably, small changes in pH have exponential effects on the composition of any HOCl.
Additionally, any errors in the HOCl manufacturing process create chlorine, chlorite,
hypochlorite, or perchlorate - each of which are toxic or caustic. Due to these instability
problems that have previously been unsolvable in the creation of HOCl-containing preparations
(which actually comprise mixed oxidant/HOCl hybrid solutions), the previously described
versions of such mixed oxidant HOCl solutions were unstable and degraded within about
72 hours. Significantly, the pure, authentic HOCl produced according to the present
disclosure is stable, and is capable of lasting for years on a shelf at temperatures
ranging from below zero to +170°F without detectable degradation and without appearance
of detectable contaminating bleach, chlorates or alcohol, in contrast to previous
versions of mixed oxidant HOCl solutions that lasted merely hours or days.
Remote Monitoring and Control
[0090] In some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes one or
more deployed units and a basecamp unit. The deployed units have been described above.
The basecamp unit is the home central command unit at which authorized operators monitor
and control the functions of the components in the deployed units. The authorized
operators at the basecamp unit may remotely monitor and adjust the parameters of actuators
and other components in the one or more deployed units to control the product quality,
as well as change the product that is being produced (
e.g., HOCl as specifications for eye care, HOCl as specifications for instrument sterilization,
HOCl as specifications for wound healing, and the like).
[0091] The authorized operators at the basecamp unit may remotely activate or shutdown the
functions of the one or more deployed units for security or quality proposes. In some
embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, remote shut down of a
deployed unit is activated by the basecamp unit in the response to control quality
issues or dangerous conditions. In one or more embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100, the equipment shut down is performed through a software lock
that is performed automatically and remotely in the case of quality issues, dangerous
conditions, or security breaches (
e.g., tampering, opening of doors while running, and the like). In some embodiments of
the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, only the basecamp unit may activate
a reset condition for use of the deployed unit after this type of shutdown.
[0092] In another aspect of some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100
assures quality of the pure, unadulterated HOCl produced through remote monitoring
of real-time diagnostics utilizing Ethernet, GSM or Satellite uplink technologies.
Such features include: remote real time review and adjustments through process control
and alarms; remote real time modifications of product attributes for optimized applications
in the field; remote oversight in adherence to pharmaceutical cGMP, EPA, and ISO standards;
remote volumetric monitoring for preventative maintenance cycles; remote monitoring
of the volume of the HOCl produced; and remote shut down in the case of quality issues
or dangerous conditions.
[0093] In one or more embodiments, the components of each deployed unit in the HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100 are dynamically and remotely monitored at a disparate basecamp
unit by authorized operators. The variable inputs are dynamically determined and monitored
as concurrent outputs within the statistical process control (SPC) range allowed in
their variabilities as determined by the product specifications (
e.g., eye care product pH range of 4.0-4.2; Salinity of 1.0 - 0.85, and the like).
[0094] In some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes remote
diagnostics feedback using a system of dynamic overview. Optionally, in areas of spotty
connectivity, temporary memory storage and data download dumps may be used to enable
analysis of product volumes and product variances. The analysis of product volumes
and product variances may produce feedback events or alerts, such as LOW, HIGH, WARNING,
OUT OF SPEC, TAMPER, and SHUT DOWN conditions. In one or more embodiments, the HOCl
manufacturing system and method 100 enables pH and ORP parameters to be controlled
through feedback loops in dynamically specified upper and lower limit settings. These
dynamically specified upper and lower limit settings are adjustable to match different
product types (e.g., products with different HOCl concentration levels). The upper
and lower limit settings cause "WARNING" or "FAILURE" notification to assure quality
standards. In some embodiments, such notifications also result in automatic shutdown
of all of the system or just in the specific area of the system that triggers the
warning, as appropriate.
Security Features
[0095] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the quality
of the produced HOCl and the security of the system are managed through multiple layers
of security. These security measures prevent the tampering, resetting, misalignment,
unauthorized copying, misuse, or damage of the system. For example, multiple inputs
within the system are disguised so that they are not obvious to third parties without
access permissions. In another aspect of the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100, the feedback control systems described above are able to be used for both quality
control and security.
[0096] From a physical standpoint, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 has hardened
high-security features incorporated into its portable enclosure for remote placement
in harsh environments. In one or more embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100 is encased in a refrigerated cabinet (as used for hospital placement or
other modular configurations) that includes shipping containers with a thick metal
exterior and locking systems to encompass its contained technologies after deployment.
[0097] From a cybersecurity standpoint, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 provides
for assurance of quality production on-site after the system has been deployed by
preventing tampering with the remote control of the HOCl production controls and parameters.
The HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes multiple levels of security
protections to ensure non-tampering, non-circumvention, and monitored quality control
during remote production of pure, authentic HOCl after the HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100 has been remotely deployed. Specifically, cybersecurity features implemented
by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 may include, by way of example only,
and not by way of limitation: disabling vulnerable ports and services, removing vulnerable
features of the operating system, uninstalling vulnerable software, removing vulnerable
applications, evolving security features frequently, and the like.
[0098] In another security aspect, some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and
method 100 include security triggers that detect and indicate any tampering, reverse
engineering, or movement of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 using feedback
monitoring. In response to any such detected tampering, reverse engineering, or movement
of the deployed system, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is configured
to initiate remote disablement of all or part of the system, as appropriate. In some
embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is configured to automatically
initiate remote disablement in response to detecting activation of a security trigger
related to tampering, reverse engineering, or movement of the unit. In other embodiments,
the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is configured to alert authorized personnel
at another location of the security breach, and enable the authorized personnel at
the other location to initiate remote disablement in response to detecting activation
of a security trigger related to tampering, reverse engineering, or movement of the
unit.
[0099] Regarding the detection of movement of the unit, in some embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100 includes GPS geo-location positioning switches that enable the
system to incorporate an "authorized to work" setting at a specified location (e.g.,
which may be designated by Latitude and Longitude locations). In such an embodiment,
the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is only functional when the "authorized
to work" setting is activated. Additionally, in some such embodiments of the HOCl
manufacturing system and method 100, this "authorized to work" setting will force
a shutdown of the system if the deployed HOCl manufacturing system and method 100
is moved more than a specified distance (
e.g., 10 meters) from an agreed upon location without authorization. Accordingly, the
entire deployed HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 may be disabled if it is
physically stolen or moved without authorization, thus offering oversight management
of the HOCl Manufacturing System 100.
[0100] In one or more embodiments, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes
a shutdown timer system for security authorization. In some embodiments, the shutdown
timer system includes a "minutes of use" feature that is automatically reset on intervals
of connectivity through the remote diagnostic program. Alternatively, in areas where
the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is placed at a remote location "off the
grid," a reset of the shutdown timer system may be accomplished using a regular electronically
delivered reset key or physical dongle.
[0101] In still another security aspect, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes
Virtual Private Network (VPN) technology that is certified in handling credit cards.
In yet another security aspect, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes
Payment Card Industry (PCI) technology to protect data during transmission. These
cybersecurity protections enable the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 to leverage
the Wi-Fi of a local airport, localized facilities, and other local technologies to
ensure the system is secure from a cyber-perspective.
[0102] In yet another security aspect, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 includes
hidden proximity switches that control the flow of the pure, unadulterated HOCl and
its components, as well as preventing the analysis of flow components by incorporating
hidden valves that are triggered by the hidden proximity switches. Accordingly, these
hidden valves that are triggered by the hidden proximity switches discourage unauthorized
personnel from removing components of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100
in an attempt to analyze its components. In another embodiment, AI-capable video monitoring
cameras may be used to detect intrusion or a change in physical embodiment of the
system and implement security features.
[0103] Referring now to another security feature of the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100, in some embodiments the system incorporates overmolding material which encapsulates
and protects electronic components. Overmolding material may be implemented to prevent
the visual review of boards, components, and chamber design by unauthorized personnel
or third parties. While overmolding material is useful to prevent visual review of
boards, components, and chamber design by unauthorized personnel or third parties,
X-ray examination (or other penetrating imaging) is also a potential security concern.
In this regard, in some embodiments the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 incorporates
anti-x-ray (e.g., x-ray scatter, x-ray shielding, carbon-impregnated, etc.) paint.
Such anti-x-ray paint is incorporated to prevent any penetrative review of critical
internal components and chamber design using x-ray, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI),
of other penetrative imaging technique. In other embodiments, other anti-penetrative
imaging paint may be used that is configured to block wavelengths other than or in
addition to x-rays. In still other embodiments, anti-penetrative imaging materials
other than paint are used to block penetrative imaging, whether it be at x-ray wavelengths
or other wavelengths.
[0104] Referring still to the overmolding feature of the HOCl manufacturing system and method
100, in some embodiments the system incorporates reactive capsules that are placed
randomly into the overmolding material. Thus, if there is any tampering with the overmolding
material in an attempt to circumvent or remove the overmolding material, this will
cause the reactive capsules to rupture and release a highly reactive acid or other
substance onto the internal components (
e.g., boards, components, and chamber design). The release of this highly reactive acid
or other substance from the reactive capsules results in the liquefaction (or other
destruction) of the internal components as a result of unauthorized individuals forcing
an unauthorized opening of the overmolding material. In this manner, the reactive
capsules may be sealed and contained within solid components that are designated as
"no access" components. Accordingly, unauthorized and forced opening or cutting of
such "no access" component housings results in the destruction of critical internal
components. This security feature prevents the physical theft and analysis of critical
internal components that are protected in this manner.
Machine Learning and Artificial Neural Networks
[0105] As stated above, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is a Chlor-Alkali electrolysis
mechanism utilizing a self-regulating system that balances source water pH, electrolysis
cell current, anolyte and catholyte fluid flow, closed loop brine injection, product
pH, ORP, and Free Available Chlorine to tightly control all parameters of the various
HOCl solutions manufactured by the system 100.
[0106] In some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, all parameters
(
e.g., input components, control loop parameters, and the like) of the system have multiple
effects on the output product (
i.e., pure, stable, authentic HOCl). For example only, and not by way of limitation, increasing
the electric current in the electrolysis cell increases the free available chlorine,
but also lowers the product pH, requiring an adjustment to the supply water pH to
maintain acceptable production levels of the stable, authentic HOCl output product.
Therefore, single parameter control loops, even when linked in industry standard fashion,
are ineffective in controlling an HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 through
long periods of operation. Thus, in some embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100 that do not incorporate machine learning and artificial neural networks,
oversight by trained technicians is employed to monitor for process deviations beyond
the ability of the system to respond to and self-correct.
[0107] In other embodiments of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100, the closed
loop control systems are replaced with a combination of machine learning and artificial
neural networks to control the process of producing the pure, stable, authentic HOCl.
In such embodiments, the multiple linked Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) loops
used to control the WHISH chlor-alkali process are replaced by a combination of artificial
neural networks (ANN) and machine learning (ML) models that enable significantly tight
control of the HOCl end product and eliminate oversight by operators of the HOCl manufacturing
system and method 100.
[0108] In some implementations, controls that were previously performed by remote technicians
in other embodiments are replaced with a combination of ML algorithms and real-time
closed loop adaptive learning control, such as particle swarm optimization. In particular,
the nonlinear pH control loops are subject to ANN and/or ML control, by predicting
future behavior of the pH adjustment parameters and performing the real-time control
of the pH adjustment loops, electrolysis current, brine, and other parameters with
real-time particle swarm optimization or similar machine control algorithms. This
real-time control adjusts each closed loop control in relation to other closed loop
controls, monitoring the multiple, linked effects of each control parameter in real
time to find a constantly adapting solution to the complex chemical process.
[0109] In still other aspects of some embodiments, a set of machine learning models based
on historic production data from a particular machine are used to influence the artificial
neural networks or real time machine learning models. Such machine learning models
control each of the closed loop cycles that define the WHISH process and enable the
machine to self-correct as the chlor-alkali generation process shifts over the course
of a production run.
Temperature Stability
[0110] Additionally, the pure, authentic HOCl produced by the HOCl manufacturing system
and method 100 is stable at room temperature, freezing temperatures (i.e., -80°C)
and high temperatures (
i.e., 80°C). For example, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 produces pure,
stable, authentic HOCl that can be frozen up to four times without detriment to its
efficacy. This thermal stability feature of pure, stable, authentic HOCl produced
by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is enabled by the extremely unadulterated
nature of the aqueous hypochlorous acid, which is free from any measurable amount
of hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides, and stabilizers. Additionally, this pure, stable,
authentic HOCl produced by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 has a detectable
loss of ORP after being frozen up to four times that is less than 10%, preferably
less than 5%, and more preferably 0%.
[0111] Such contaminates accelerate the deterioration of HOCl mixtures when they are frozen
to the detriment of the efficacy of the HOCl mixtures. Otherwise stated, the presence
of contaminates such as chlorite, hypochlorite, and perchlorate (each of which are
toxic or caustic), which may be created due to errors in inadequate HOCl mixture manufacturing
processes, cause the original HOCl in the HOCl mixture to unravel into chlorine, chlorite,
hypochlorites, and other substances when frozen (as well as simply over time). These
contaminated HOCl mixtures not only have very poor efficacy, but also are often toxic
or caustic. Thus, the ability of the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 to produce
pure, stable, authentic HOCl is a dramatic technological improvement since it enables
the use of the pure, stable, authentic HOCl on human tissue, epithelials, membranes,
and the like, without damaging the human tissue.
[0112] In another implementation, the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 produces
pure, stable, authentic HOCl that can be heated to as much as 100C while maintaining
efficacy. Again, this thermal stability feature of pure, stable, authentic HOCl produced
by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 is enabled by the extremely unadulterated
nature of the aqueous hypochlorous acid, which is free from any measurable amount
of hypochlorites, phosphates, oxides, and stabilizers. Additionally, this pure, stable,
authentic HOCl produced by the HOCl manufacturing system and method 100 has a detectable
loss of ORP after being heated to as much as 100C that is less than 10%, preferably
less than 5%, and more preferably 0%.
[0113] Such contaminates accelerate the deterioration of HOCl mixtures when they are heated
to the detriment of the efficacy of the HOCl mixtures. Otherwise stated, the presence
of contaminates such as chlorite, hypochlorite, and perchlorate (each of which are
toxic or caustic), which may be created due to errors in inadequate HOCl mixture manufacturing
processes, cause the original HOCl in the HOCl mixture to unravel into chlorine, chlorite,
hypochlorites, and other substances when heated (as well as simply over time). These
contaminated HOCl mixtures not only have very poor efficacy, but also are often toxic
or caustic.
Smart Tank Predictive Production Feedback System and Method
[0114] Referring now to Figure 8, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800
provides a technological improvement to the art in its ability to measure and control
key characteristics of an HOCl solution at a point of use by dynamically adjusting
parameters of the HOCl solution that is being constantly circulated within a storage
vessel. The smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 verifies the parameter
measurements of the HOCl solution and controls HOCl characteristics to achieve a quality
standard or target. In some embodiments, the smart tank predictive production feedback
system 800 includes a print-out mechanism using a scannable feature, such as a QR
code, that provides a certification of HOCl solution characteristics. Such characteristics
may include one or more of ppm, pH, ORP (Oxidation-reduction potential), and tonicity
content (
e.g., measure of the effective osmotic pressure gradient). In one embodiment, the print-out
mechanism is an onboard feature, or communicated data for printing a label that can
be affixed as a quality certification to an individual HOCl storage vessel.
[0115] Thus, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 enables the measurement
and control of HOCl solution parameters by informing an HOCl Production System to
modify its product characteristics (
e.g., ppm, pH, tonicity, or combinations thereof) in order to dynamically alter the average
characteristics within the HOCl storage vessel. In one embodiment, the smart tank
predictive production feedback system 800 measures the average Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl)
solution of the HOCl storage vessel and informs the HOCl Production System in real
time to make adjustments to pH and ppm that achieve one or more target parameters.
In this manner, a target constituency of the HOCl solution characteristics is maintained.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the HOCl solution characteristics are warranted
for purposes of certification of values, safety, and efficacy of intended use. Thus,
the HOCl solution characteristics of measurements are maintained to fall within targeted
upper and lower limits for quality assurance. In some embodiments, the smart tank
predictive production feedback system 800 takes measurements of HOCl solution characteristics
and informs a WHISH HOCl Production System that adjustments to the average parameters
in an HOCl storage vessel are logged, integrated, and assimilated for continuous improvement
data sets in that system.
[0116] Referring now to Figures 8-10, in one embodiment, the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800 is a quality control point of use system that is remotely managed
or controlled. Otherwise stated, the smart tank predictive production feedback system
800 is a quality control system in that it analyzes HOCl solutions and enables updating
and/or fine tuning of the HOCl solution parameters such as pH, ppm, ORP, FAC, saline
level, and the like. In this regard, the Production Feedback System 800 is predictive
in that it can establish a future target set of parameters that the produced HOCl
solution will reach, but has not yet reached. In other embodiments, the smart tank
predictive production feedback system 800 is locally controlled by a user input device
or a machine learning engine, rather than remotely controlled.
[0117] Additionally, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 is a point
of use system, meaning that the HOCl solution is dispensed at a point where the HOCl
solution will be directly used by an end user (
e.g., a hospital, a surgical center, a dental facility, a meat processing plant, a pharmaceutical
facility, an electronics manufacturing plant, and the like), rather than simply an
intermediate point in a bottling or distribution process (
e.g., a bottling warehouse). Notably, in some embodiments, the constantly monitored HOCl
solution is verified to traceable quality standard as it is dispensed at a point of
use (
i.e., a point where the HOCl solution will be used by an end user, rather than simply
a point in a bottling or distribution process).
[0118] In some embodiments, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 is
placed outside of a WHISH HOCl Production System 821, as shown in Figures 8-10. In
other embodiments, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 is positioned
inside of a WHISH HOCl Production System 821 (not shown).
[0119] Notably, a smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 may be used in conjunction
with an HOCl production system 821 to manufacture an HOCl solution 803 that is either
a liquid or a gel formulation.
[0120] In another aspect, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 employes
continuous batch monitoring of key quality characteristics of the HOCl solution. This
may be achieved by having the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800
perform continuous monitoring using sensors (
e.g., UV photometer, pH sensor, ppm sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, ORP
sensor, FAC sensor, tonicity sensor, and the like). In other embodiments, this may
be achieved by having the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 perform
the continuous monitoring using spectroscopy, as well as sensors.
[0121] Referring now to Figure 8, in one embodiment of the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800, a hypochlorous acid solution that is produced by an HOCl production
system 821 (
e.g., a WHISH Hypochlorous Acid Manufacturing System) is transferred to an external HOCl
storage vessel 802 during the manufacture of the HOCl solution 803. Specifically,
one embodiment of the smart tank predictive production feedback system also includes
a transfer conduit 801 that connects the HOCl production system 821 to the HOCl storage
vessel 802.
[0122] The smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 has the ability to provide
a level/volume indication within the HOCl storage vessel 802 using level sensors,
stain gauge devices, or both. This level sensing information may then be used to calculate
adjustments of HOCl solution characteristics. The HOCl storage vessel 802 is equipped
with one or more sensors for determining the level of the HOCl solution 803 within
the vessel, and therefore, the volume of the HOCl solution within the vessel. Preferably,
noncontact liquid level sensors 808 are employed (
e.g., Benewake 77Ghz noncontact radar liquid level sensor or the Omega
™ LVU series noncontact ultrasonic liquid level sensors). Alternatively or additionally,
a pressure-based liquid level sensor 822 (
e.g., SensorsOne LMK351 ceramic diaphragm pressure transmitter) may be mounted at the
base of the HOCl storage vessel 802 to provide real-time measurement of the liquid
level of the HOCl solution 803. In other embodiments, an HOCl storage bottle or HOCl
storage tank is used instead of an HOCl storage vessel 802.
[0123] Additionally, the HOCl storage vessel 802 controls environmental factors and contaminants
that could otherwise impact the targeted or ideal parameters of the product. In this
manner, the HOCl storage vessel 802 provides a warranty of quality to be free from
contaminants that may be present in non-system external HOCl storage vessels 802.
[0124] In one embodiment, as the HOCl storage tank 802 fills with HOCl solution 803, the
level sensor of the HOCl storage tank 802 transmits a digital (or analog) sensor reading
of the real-time fluid level and/or fluid volume within the HOCl storage tank 802
to the HOCl production system 821 (
e.g., a WHISH Hypochlorous Acid Manufacturing System). In some embodiments, the HOCl storage
tank 802 includes a discharge conduit 804 that is typically located near the bottom
of the HOCl storage tank 802. The discharge conduit 804 is connected to a circulation
pump 805 and a recirculating fluid pipe 807. The HOCl storage tank 802 is used in
conjunction with the circulation pump 805 and the recirculating fluid pipe 807 to
recirculate and mix the HOCl solution (
e.g., fluid) within the HOCl storage tank 802.
Predictive Feedback Control System
[0125] The smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 also includes a predictive
feedback control system 806 that is connected to the HOCl storage vessel 802 via the
discharge conduit 804 and the recirculating fluid pipe 807. In one embodiment, a recirculating
pump 805 is used to continuously recirculate the HOCl solution 803 from the HOCl storage
vessel 802 through the predictive feedback control system 806. The predictive feedback
control system 806 informs an inputting HOCl production system 821 via a communication
link 823 and forms a dynamic feedback control loop to make corrections to target conditions
of those HOCl parameters through adjustments.
[0126] In still another embodiment of the smart tank predictive production feedback system
800, the characteristics of the HOCl solution 803 include volume head space above
the HOCl solution 803 in the HOCl storage vessel 802, HOCl solution temperature, ambient
temperature, pressure within the HOCl storage vessel 802, and age of the solution
in the HOCl storage vessel 802. Controlling these HOCl solution characteristics ensures
product quality, integrity, and traceability, as well as informing predictive behaviors
in a machine learning environment.
[0127] In some embodiments, the recirculating fluid pipe 807 passes through proximate to
a predictive feedback control system 806 of the smart tank predictive production feedback
system 800. The predictive feedback control system includes a measurement enclosure.
The measurement enclosure protects various sensors and electronics from the environment.
In one embodiment, the predictive feedback control system 806 further includes sensors
that are in-line with the recirculating fluid pipe 807. In another aspect of some
embodiments, the sensors are installed in fittings on the recirculating fluid pipe
807. In still another aspect of some embodiments, the sensors are inserted within
the recirculating HOCl fluid stream. In one such embodiment, these sensors include
a pH sensor 809, a dissolved solids sensor, a conductivity sensor 810, a temperature
sensor, as well as other sensors. In some particular embodiments, these sensors include
a corrosion resistant pH sensor 809 (
e.g., the Pyxis ST-710 sensor) and a corrosion resistant conductivity sensor 810 (
e.g., the Pyxis ST-720), which are installed within the pathway of the HOCl solution
803.
[0128] Referring still to the embodiment of the smart tank predictive production feedback
system 800 shown in Figure 8, a small amount of the HOCl solution 803 is drawn from
within the fluid stream in the recirculating fluid pipe 807 via a sampling tube 811.
In some embodiments, a precision HOCl metering pump 812 is included in the predictive
feedback control system 806 to inject a known volume of the HOCl solution 803 into
a measurement cell 813. In one embodiment, a reagent metering pump 824 (or other dosing
device) is additionally included in the predictive feedback control system 806 that
injects a known volume of reagent from a refillable reservoir 814 into the measurement
cell 813. In this embodiment, the reagent from the refillable reservoir 814 is used
to alter the measured HOCl solution 803 in the measurement cell 813 and assist in
measuring certain parameters of the measured HOCl solution 803, such as the free available
chlorine.
[0129] In one example measurement, the embodiment of the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800 shown in Figure 8 includes a precision HOCl metering pump 812
that injects an HOCl solution (
e.g., 1-3 ml) into the measurement cell 813. Continuing in this example measurement,
the reagent metering pump 824 then injects 1 molar Sodium Hydroxide (
e.g., 0.1-0.3ml) (or other pH altering reagent) into the measurement cell 813. Notably,
the measurement cell 813 provides a mixing system, such as a mechanical or electromagnetic
agitation system. The injection of Sodium Hydroxide (
i.e., NaOH) basic solution into the measurement cell 813 increases the pH of the measured
HOCl solution and converts the chlorine species in the solution form HOCl to OCl-.
[0130] In one embodiment, the measurement cell 813 of the predictive feedback control system
806 includes integral quartz UV transparent windows which provide an optical pathway
through the measurement cell 813. In other embodiments, the measurement cell 813 of
the predictive feedback control system 806 includes equivalents of the integral quartz
UV transparent windows. In one embodiment, a light source 818 is also provided in
the predictive feedback control system 806 that is connected to an emitter 817. In
such an embodiment, the emitter 817 is inserted into the window of the measurement
cell 813 such that the light source 818 is directed through the window and into the
measurement cell 813.
[0131] In another aspect of one embodiment, a spectrometer 815 is included in the predictive
feedback control system 806 of the smart tank predictive production feedback system
800 that utilizes ultraviolet light wavelengths. In one embodiments, the spectrometer
815 is sensitive to the ultraviolet band of light. The spectrometer 815 may also utilize
RAMAN spectroscopy techniques, such as a StellarNet BlueWave UV spectrometer. Furthermore,
the spectrometer 815 may be connected to the measurement cell 813 opposite the light
source emitter 817, such that light from the light source emitter 817 passes through
a proximal observation window, through the HOCl fluid to be tested, through a distal
observation window, and into a collector 816 (
e.g., a fiber optic cable) that passes the light to the spectrometer 815.
Single Peak Spectral Analysis of HOCl
[0132] In one embodiment, analysis of the absorption of finite wavelengths of light in the
HOCl fluid being tested, as measured by the spectrometer 815, determines both the
presence of specific molecules and the concentration of such molecules. This spectrophotometry
analysis leverages the fact that the loss of light intensity, when it propagates in
a medium, is directly proportional to intensity and path length. The proportionality
is linear in a given concentration range; thus, a ratio of concentration to absorbed
light can be calculated. For example, an absorbance unit of 1.00 equates to a concentration
of approximately 215.054 parts-per-million of hypochlorous acid. In the embodiment
of smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 shown in Figure 8, the chlorine
species in the HOCl solution is converted to OCl- via pH adjustment. The spectrometer
spectra of the HOCl fluid being tested is then analyzed for the presence and intensity
of a spectral peak at 292nm wavelength, which corresponds to the total chlorine concentration
in a preferred HOCl solution.
[0133] Additionally, in one embodiment of the predictive feedback control system 806, a
flushing apparatus is included that employes a de-ionized water source 819 and a flush
channel 820 to flush the measurement cell 813. The flushing apparatus also assists
with calibration of instruments connected to the measurement cell 813, such as the
spectrometer 815, by assuring that there is no residue other than de-ionized water
in the measurement cell 813, sensors, or other instruments. As described herein, de-ionized
water is water that has had all minerals, and their associated ions, removed (
i.e., demineralized water). Ions are molecules with a positive or negative electrical
charge. In water, molecules with a positive or negative electrical charge typically
appear as dissolved mineral salts. Minerals commonly found in standard water include
calcium, magnesium, iron, sodium, chloride, sulfates, nitrates, carbonates, and silica.
All of these minerals can negatively affect spectrometer measurements, as well as
HOCl solution characteristics.
[0134] Referring now to the embodiment of the smart tank predictive production feedback
system 800 shown in Figure 9, this embodiment of the predictive feedback control system
806 includes a different set of sensors and employes some distinct measurement and
analysis techniques (from the embodiment shown in Figure 8). In this embodiment of
the predictive feedback control system 806 shown in Figure 9, a measurement of the
HOCl fluid is performed by drawing a sample of the HOCl fluid to be measured from
the recirculating fluid pipe 807 through a sampling tube 811. The sample of the HOCl
fluid drawn from the recirculating fluid pipe 807 is allowed to flow into a measurement
cell 813. This embodiment of the measurement cell 813 also includes an integral quartz
UV transparent window (or similar) that provides an optical pathway through the measurement
cell 813. In this embodiment as well, the light source 813 is connected to the emitter
817 and inserted so that the light is directed through the window and into the measurement
cell 813.
[0135] This embodiment of the predictive feedback control system 806 shown in Figure 9 also
includes a spectrometer 815 that is sensitive to the ultraviolet band of light, such
as the StellarNet BueWave UV spectrometer. Additionally or alternatively, the spectrometer
815 (or a different measurement device) utilizes RAMAN spectroscopy techniques. In
one such embodiment, the spectrometer 815 is connected to the measurement cell 813
opposite the light source emitter 817, such that light from the light source emitter
817 passes through a proximal observation window, through the HOCl fluid to be tested,
through a distal observation window, and into a collector 816 (e.g., a fiber optic
cable) that passes the light to the spectrometer 815.
Dual Peak Spectral Analysis of HOCl
[0136] In the embodiment of the smart tank predictive production feedback system shown in
Figure 9, analysis of the absorption of finite wavelengths of light in the HOCl fluid
to be tested, as measured by the spectrometer 815, determines both the presence of
specific molecules and the concentration of such molecules. Notably, in this embodiment,
the HOCl fluid produces a UV spectroscopy spectral graph with spectral peaks at 234nm
and 292nm. The ratio of these peaks are indicative of the concentration, pH, conductivity,
and other parameters of the HOCl fluid. The analysis of this ratio, the slope of these
peaks, area beneath, first and second derivative traces of these peaks, and other
complex mathematical relationships of the spectral results are interpreted to determine
several factors of the HOCl fluid, including, but not limited to, the concentration
and ratio of dissolved chlorine gas, hypochlorous acid level in the solution, and
hypochlorite level in the solution, the pH of the solution, the conductivity of the
solution, the permittivity of the solution, the oxidative reduction potential of the
solution, and the presence of contaminants in the solution. These parameters may be
measured either directly by the spectroscopy results or by an unexpected reduction
in any of the listed parameters. The dual wavelength equation and variables are shown
below:
Y = concentration of compound
A1 = absorbance at first peak
A2 = absorbance at second peak
Ex = emperically derived constant that is dependent on pH (x)

[0137] In one embodiment, the measurement results from the sensors in the measurement cell
813 are collected and analyzed by an embedded computer 825 (
e.g., the RevolutionPi Connect+) within the predictive feedback control system 806 of
the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800. Additionally or alternatively,
in another embodiment, the measurement results from the sensors in the measurement
cell 813 are transmitted directly to the HOCl production system 821 (
e.g., a WHISH HOCl Production System) in real-time using the communication link 823.
These real-time results of the measurements may be used to provide feedback to the
HOCl generating process of the HOCl production system 821 as well as to provide quality
assurance measurements of the HOCl solution 803 stored in the HOCl storage vessel
802.
[0138] In one example of HOCl solution fine-tuning by the predictive feedback control system
806, if the desired parameters for the final HOCl solution are a pH of 4.8, a salt
concentration of 0.1%, and an available chlorine concentration of 200 parts per million,
then the measurement results of the HOCl storage vessel 802 provide real time analysis
of the HOCl solution 803 being held within the HOCl storage vessel 802. If the actual
measured results of the solution parameters differ from the desired parameters, then
the embedded computer 825 of the predictive feedback control system 806 performs a
series of calculations based on the total desired volume to be produced, the desired
fluid parameters, and the actual fluid parameters.
[0139] The smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 then transmits updated operating
parameters to the HOCl production system 821, via the communication link 823, that
adjust the parameters of the HOCl solution being produced. In this manner, the smart
tank predictive production feedback system 800 continuously sends dynamically updating
operating parameters to the HOCl production system 821 that continuously dynamically
adjust the operating parameters of the HOCl production system 821. Accordingly, when
the final HOCl volume in the HOCl storage vessel 802 is reached, the parameters of
the HOCl solution are within a narrowly defined range of optimal HOCl solution, which
is continuously recirculating.
[0140] For example, HOCl solution parameter corrections are made by sequential blending
the original HOCl solution batch (having an original set of parameters) with an updated
HOCl solution (having a calculated set of updated parameters) from the HOCl production
system 821 (
e.g., a WHISH HOCl production system 821) that was requested by the smart tank predictive
production feedback system 800. The combination of the original HOCl solution batch
with the updated HOCl solution creates a final target HOCl solution with final target
parameters that are a combination of the original set of parameters and the updated
parameters. For example, an original HOCl solution batch may have an original set
of parameters that include a pH value of 4.0. If the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800 was instructed to alter the HOCl solution batch to achieve a revised
HOCl solution with a target pH value of 4.2, then the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800 would instruct the HOCl production system 821 (
e.g., a WHISH Hypochlorous Acid Manufacturing System) to produce an updated HOCl solution
with a calculated set of updated parameters, such as a pH value of 4.3. The circulating
batch loop would continue until the requested final target parameter (
e.g., target pH value of 4.2) is achieved.
[0141] This is a simplified example for ease of explanation. In some embodiments, multiple
HOCl solution target parameters would be requested (
e.g., pH, ppm, ORP, FAC, saline level, etc.), and multiple HOCl solution parameters (
e.g., pH, ppm, ORP, FAC, saline level, etc.) and production parameters (
e.g., fluid pressure, electrical current, saline level, etc.) would be required to achieve
the requested HOCl solution target parameters. Significantly, multiple HOCl solution
parameters and/or production parameters may be required to change a single target
HOCl solution parameter while maintaining the other HOCl solution parameter steady.
[0142] The predictive feedback control system 806 of the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800 can be used to verify and maintain the standards integrity (
e.g., pH, ppm, ORP, FAC, etc.) of the HOCl solution 803 over long periods of time to
ensure against degradation. Additionally, the predictive feedback control system 806
can be used to correct the target parameters (
e.g., pH, PPM, ORP, FAC, etc.) of the HOCl solution 803 if a deviation from those target
parameters occurred during production for any reason, either known or unknown. Furthermore,
the predictive feedback control system 806 can be used to change the target parameters
(
e.g., pH, ppm, ORP, FAC, etc.) of the HOCl solution if the desired target parameters
changed from the time that the HOCl solution was produced.
Machine Learning
[0143] In one embodiment, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 instructs
an HOCl production system 821 (
e.g., WHISH Hypochlorous Acid Manufacturing System) to log predictive behaviors of HOCl
production. In this manner, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800
teaches continuous improvements in machine learning behavior to one or more HOCl production
systems 821 in a network of HOCl production systems 821, either regionally or globally.
[0144] In one embodiment, the initial tuning for the machine learning algorithm is provided
via manual inputs using a technician's testing results from an existing platform.
This data includes the machine operation parameters utilized to produce the HOCl which
is then externally measured for pH, salt, and FAC. These data points will be correlated
and uploaded to train the machine learning model parameters. Once the model is trained
with adequate amounts of data the algorithm is deployed for validation and then employed
into use.
[0145] Upon the receipt of sufficient data, all machine learning algorithms report their
data to a central database. This database features inputs to improve control capabilities
that include: all machine operation parameters (pH, supply pH, product pH, product
NaCl, product FAC, product temperature), output HOCl characteristics measured via
feedback control system within 806 (pH, salt, FAC, and temperature), HOCl parameters
(pH, salt, FAC, temperature, and volume) within the HOCl storage vessel 802, temperature
and humidity inside the enclosure of the machine space along with the operation facility,
time of day and year, input water pH, temperature, and TDS (Total Dissolved Solids).
[0146] In some embodiments, the machine learning algorithm is tasked with maintaining a
tight range of pre-defined HOCl specifications (pH, salt, and FAC) for extended periods
of time. In one embodiment, the machine learning algorithm maintains a range of ±0.25pH,
±1ppm salt, and ±5ppm FAC, with an ideal range of ±0.05pH, ±0.5ppm salt, and ±1ppm
FAC. This will be achieved with continuous expansion of the data set the algorithm
has access to over long periods of time. The available data will grow at an increasing
rate due to the continuous implementation of new smart tank systems sharing data and
working collaboratively to improve the algorithm used for tank management.
[0147] In Figures 8 and 9, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 predicts
HOCl parameters and volume to be added to the HOCl storage vessel 802 from the HOCl
Production system 821 to maintain a pre-defined HOCl specification. The internal pH,
salt, and FAC measurement devices within the HOCl Production system 821 and within
the predictive feedback control system 806, aided with historical data, provide the
platform in which the machine algorithm will calculate its outputs to be sent from
the predictive feedback control system 806 to the HOCl Production system 821, via
the communication link 823, to fine-tune the parameters of the HOCl solution 803.
[0148] Referring now to Figure 10, input parameters and output parameters of the machine
learning engine are further described. Specifically, in some embodiments of the machine
learning engine, the input parameters include, by way of example only, and not by
way of limitation: Tank pH, Tank Salt, Tank FAC, Machine Supply pH, Machine Product
pH, Machine Product NaCl, Machine Product FAC, Machine Product Temp, Machine Temp
+ Humidity, and Facility Temp + Humidity. These are parameters that are measured by
the predictive feedback control system 806 of the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800. As shown in Figure 10, these input parameters are feed into the
machine learning engine within the predictive feedback control system 806. The machine
learning engine then determines what output parameters are required to produce the
desired changes in the HOCl solution parameters being produced by the HOCl production
system 821 to ultimately produce a final HOCl solution 803 with the desired HOCl solution
parameters (e.g., original HOCl solution parameters plus changed HOCl solution parameters
equal desired HOCl solution parameters). The predictive feedback control system 806
informs the HOCl production system 821, via a communication link 823, and forms a
dynamic feedback control loop to make corrections to target conditions of those HOCl
solution parameters through adjustments. The communication link 823 may be a wireless
link (WiFi, Cellular, Bluetooth, etc.) or a wired link (Ethernet, etc.). Specifically,
in some embodiments of the machine learning engine, the output parameters include,
by way of example only, and not by way of limitation: Machine Amperage, Machine Flow
Rate, Machine Supply pH Setpoint, and Machine NaCl Setpoint.
[0149] The smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 also has the ability to
store historical data in an onboard memory, as well as store historical data in the
cloud (
e.g., remote server storage) to provide input for machine learning improvements, both
locally or through a network of systems, either regionally or globally.
[0150] In another embodiment, the average parameters in an HOCl storage vessel 802 are logged,
integrated, and assimilated for continuous improvement data sets across a family of
HOCl production systems 800 as part of a predictive machine learning system. Such
a smart tank predictive production feedback system 800, with a predictive machine
learning system may use input data from across a single HOCl storage vessel 802, or
from a family of HOCl storage vessels 802 as grouped systems, either regionally or
globally.
[0151] In still another aspect of some embodiments, the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800 has the ability to perform security and battery backup functions
through failure self-awareness. Otherwise stated, when the smart tank predictive production
feedback system 800 detects a power loss, it automatically engages its battery back-up
functions. Additionally, when the smart tank predictive production feedback system
800 detects system anomalies, it automatically engages its security functions.
[0152] Additionally, the measured parameters of the HOCl solution 803 by the predictive
feedback control system 806 may be used to continuously monitor the HOCl solution
803 for any degradation or change within the stored HOCl solution 803, either separately,
or in addition to the record maintained by the HOCl production system 821. In this
manner, the embedded computer 825 may print or mark the measured HOCl solution parameter
results on forms, labels, bottles, or other devices, such that the current measured
parameters are recorded and timestamped. The embedded computer 825 may also have the
capability to transmit the measurement data to a digital logging system, such as a
database for record keeping of the HOCl solution parameters. The embedded computer
825 may also transmit this data to other process equipment, such as labeling machines,
laser markers, or inkjet printers so that quality assurance data can be recorded.
[0153] If the HOCl solution 803 within the HOCl storage vessel 802 changes parameters over
time, such as the concentration of free available chlorine degrading below desired
levels, then a certain volume of the HOCl solution 803 stored in the vessel 802 may
be emptied if the embedded computer 825 of the predictive feedback control system
806 determines that this action is needed to correct the HOCl solution parameters
to desired levels. For example, if the HOCl solution parameters deviate too far from
desired levels, then the adjusted HOCl solution being added may not be able to correct
the final HOCl solution back to desired levels without some of the original HOCl solution
being emptied. The HOCl production system 821 may then calculate the exact volume
and parameters of the updated HOCl solution to be added in order to return the stored
original HOCl solution 803 to within desired final target parameters after a calculated
amount of the original HOCl solution 803 has been emptied.
[0154] In one embodiment, a smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 has the
ability to detect that an empty HOCl storage vessel 802 (or bottle, tank, etc.) is
empty, and then direct the rinse of the HOCl storage vessel 802. In one such embodiment,
the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 then directs the neutralization
of the HOCl storage vessel 802 to waste management standards. This action enables
the "waste" solution from the storage vessel to be discarded without causing environmental
concerns. Specifically, the smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 then
performs automated purging of neutralized unwanted HOCl solution.
[0155] As shown in Figure 10, in one or more embodiments, multiple HOCl storage vessels
802 (e.g., 802A, 802B, 802C) and multiple predictive feedback control systems 806
(e.g., 806A, 806B, 806C) are connected to a single WHISH HOCl production system 821.
By connecting numerous smart tank predictive production feedback systems 800 to a
single WHISH HOCl Production System 821, each smart tank predictive production feedback
system 800 is able to control different point of use product parameters (
e.g., pH values, ppm values, and/or FAC values that achieve several distinct targets)
using its associated predictive feedback control system 806.
[0156] For example, in one multi-vessel, multi-predictive feedback control system embodiment,
a single WHISH HOCl production system 821 is connected to an HOCl storage vessel 802A
and an associated predictive feedback control system 806A, an HOCl storage vessel
802B and an associated predictive feedback control system 806B, and an HOCl storage
vessel 802C and an associated predictive feedback control system 806C. In such an
embodiment, the associated predictive feedback control system 806A (in conjunction
with the HOCl production system 821) may be used to fill the HOCl storage vessel 802A
with an HOCl solution 803 having pH 4.8 and ppm 150. Sequentially in this embodiment,
the associated predictive feedback control system 806B (in conjunction with the HOCl
production system 821) may be used to fill the HOCl storage vessel 802B with an HOCl
solution 803 having pH 4.4 and ppm 300. In further sequence in this embodiment, the
associated predictive feedback control system 806C (in conjunction with the HOCl production
system 821) may be used to fill the HOCl storage vessel 802C with an HOCl solution
803 having pH 4.2 and ppm 500.
[0157] In one multi-vessel embodiment, the smart tank predictive production feedback system
800 includes a first HOCl storage vessel 802 and prevents other storage vessels in
the multi-vessel system from being filled while the first HOCl storage vessel 802
is being filled. Thus, in such a multi-vessel embodiment, only a first HOCl storage
vessel 802 (from among multiple storage vessels) may be filled at a time so that the
fine-tuning and quality control of that first HOCl storage vessel 802 may be completed.
Each other vessel of the multi-vessel system may then complete its own fine-tuning
and quality control in a sequential manner.
[0158] In one embodiment, a smart tank predictive production feedback system 800 employs
the following algorithm for the input of corrective HOCl solution from an HOCl Production
System 821 to adjust an HOCl average measurement in the storage vessel 802. In one
such embodiment, the below algorithm is employed 60 times per hour for dynamic adjustment
to the circulating tank measurement readings on pH.
Variables
[0159]
vt = total tank capacity
v1 = volume currently in tank
v2 = volume of product to be added (constrained by total tank volume, defined by vt - v1)
M1 = concentration of free available chlorine, salt, or H+
M2 = concentration of [chlorine, salt, or H+ ] to be added (constrained by capabilities of machine output)
x = average in tank at any given time

can be simplified with v2 variable

rearrange to solve for M2

using M2 to define FAC, pH, and salt of the product to be added to the Smart Tank in order
to meet a desired specification
[0160] Referring now to Figure 11, a logic diagram is shown that displays a method for a
continuous batch monitoring and adjustment system. At operation 1110, the method provides
a control system that includes a pump, sensors, and a controller. At operation 1120,
the method includes continuously monitoring initial HOCl solution characteristics,
via sensors, of the initial HOCl solution that is recirculated from the HOCl storage
vessel. At operation 1130, the method includes calculating adjustments to initial
parameters of the monitored initial HOCl solution characteristics to be made through
corrections of the continuously monitored initial HOCl solution characteristics. At
operation 1140, the method includes informing an inputting production system, via
a dynamic feedback loop, to make corrections to the initial parameters of the continuously
monitored initial HOCl solution characteristics and produce an updated HOCl solution
with updated HOCl solution characteristics. At operation 1150, the method includes
verifying that a final HOCl solution is achieved with final target parameters from
a combination of the initial HOCl solution in the HOCl storage vessel with the updated
HOCl solution from the inputting production system.
[0161] Figure 12 shows a system diagram that describes an example implementation of a computing
system(s) for implementing embodiments described herein. The functionality described
herein for a smart tank predictive production feedback system, can be implemented
either on dedicated hardware, as a software instance running on dedicated hardware,
or as a virtualized function instantiated on an appropriate platform,
e.g., a cloud infrastructure. In some embodiments, such functionality may be completely
software-based and designed as cloud-native, meaning that it is agnostic to the underlying
cloud infrastructure, allowing higher deployment agility and flexibility.
[0162] In particular, example host computer system(s) 1201 is shown. For example, such computer
system(s) 1201 may represent those in various data centers and cell sites shown and/or
described herein that host the functions, components, microservices and other aspects
described herein to implement a smart tank predictive production feedback system.
In some embodiments, one or more special-purpose computing systems may be used to
implement the functionality described herein. Accordingly, various embodiments described
herein may be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or in some combination
thereof. Host computer system(s) 1201 may include memory 1202, one or more central
processing units (CPUs) 1214, I/O interfaces 1218, other computer-readable media 1220,
and network connections 1222.
[0163] Memory 1202 may include one or more various types of non-volatile and/or volatile
storage technologies. Examples of memory 1202 may include, but are not limited to,
flash memory, hard disk drives, optical drives, solid-state drives, various types
of random-access memory (RAM), various types of read-only memory (ROM), other computer-readable
storage media (also referred to as processor-readable storage media), or the like,
or any combination thereof. Memory 1202 may be utilized to store information, including
computer-readable instructions that are utilized by CPU 1214 to perform actions, including
those of embodiments described herein.
[0164] Memory 1202 may have stored thereon control module(s) 1204. The control module(s)
1204 may be configured to implement and/or perform some or all of the functions of
the systems, components and modules described herein for a smart tank predictive production
feedback system. Memory 1202 may also store other programs and data 1210, which may
include rules, databases, application programming interfaces (APIs), software platforms,
cloud computing service software, network management software, network orchestrator
software, network functions (NF), AI or ML programs or models to perform the functionality
described herein, user interfaces, operating systems, other network management functions,
other NFs, etc.
[0165] Network connections 1222 are configured to communicate with other computing devices
to facilitate the functionality described herein. In various embodiments, the network
connections 1222 include transmitters and receivers (not illustrated), cellular telecommunication
network equipment and interfaces, and/or other computer network equipment and interfaces
to send and receive data as described herein, such as to send and receive instructions,
commands and data to implement the processes described herein. I/O interfaces 1218
may include video interfaces, other data input or output interfaces, or the like.
Other computer-readable media 1220 may include other types of stationary or removable
computer-readable media, such as removable flash drives, external hard drives, or
the like.
[0166] The above description of illustrated implementations, including what is described
in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the implementations
to the precise forms disclosed. Although specific implementations of and examples
are described herein for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications can
be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be
recognized by those skilled in the relevant art. The teachings provided herein of
the various implementations can be applied to other portable and/or wearable electronic
devices, not necessarily the exemplary wearable electronic devices generally described
above.
[0167] For instance, the foregoing detailed description has set forth various implementations
of the devices and/or processes via the use of block diagrams, schematics, and examples.
Insofar as such block diagrams, schematics, and examples contain one or more functions
and/or operations, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that each function
and/or operation within such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples can be implemented,
individually and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware,
or virtually any combination thereof. In one implementation, the present subject matter
may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs). However,
those skilled in the art will recognize that the implementations disclosed herein,
in whole or in part, can be equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits,
as one or more computer programs executed by one or more computers (
e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as one or more
programs executed by one or more controllers (
e.g., microcontrollers) as one or more programs executed by one or more processors (
e.g., microprocessors, central processing units, graphical processing units), as firmware,
or as virtually any combination thereof, and that designing the circuitry and/or writing
the code for the software and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of
ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this disclosure.
[0168] When logic is implemented as software and stored in memory, logic or information
can be stored on any processor-readable medium for use by or in connection with any
processor-related system or method. In the context of this disclosure, a memory is
a processor-readable medium that is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical
device or means that contains or stores a computer and/or processor program. Logic
and/or the information can be embodied in any processor-readable medium for use by
or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such
as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can
fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device
and execute the instructions associated with logic and/or information.
[0169] In the context of this specification, a "non-transitory processor-readable medium"
can be any element that can store the program associated with logic and/or information
for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, and/or
device. The processor-readable medium can be, for example, but is not limited to,
an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,
apparatus or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer
readable medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette (magnetic,
compact flash card, secure digital, or the like), a random access memory (RAM), a
read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM,
or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), digital tape,
and other non-transitory media.
[0170] The various implementations described above can be combined to provide further implementations.
To the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions
herein, all of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent
applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications
referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Such applications specifically
include: (1)
U.S. App. Ser. No. 17/396,018, titled, "Deployable, Remotely-Controlled, Pure Hypochlorous Acid Manufacturing System
And Method"; (2)
U.S. App. Ser. No. 62/353,483, titled, "Inactivation Of Highly Resistant Infectious Microbes And Proteins With
Hypohalous Acid Preparations"; (3) International Patent Application No.
PCT/US2017/038838, titled, "Aqueous Hypohalous Acid Preparations For The Inactivation Of Resistant
Infectious Agents"; and (4) International Patent Application No.
PCT/US2019/036722, titled, "Aqueous Hypohalous Acid Preparations For The Inactivation Of Resistant
Infectious Agents." Aspects of the implementations can be modified, if necessary,
to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and
publications to provide yet further implementations.
[0171] These and other changes can be made to the implementations in light of the above-detailed
description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed
to limit the claims to the specific implementations disclosed in the specification
and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible implementations along
with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly,
the claims are not limited by the disclosure.